He is fully cooperative with the authorities, he has nothing to hide.

I have a tremendous respect for this man now, he faced the media himself, which is very hard to do in Los Angeles I would imagine. He didn’t hide behind a representative, the man face the world himself, and told the truth. Respect.

How can any sports fan not love Ohtani's character? He's the greatest athlete of our time living with the highest integrity. While not a Dodger fan I am a Shohei fan for life. I'll be watching and anticipate him a 2024 World Series Champion and MVP.

I am amazed how Shohei stayed in calm to play the baseball in Korea. It must have been tough and challenging for him to play the best. On this media conference, he didn't show any emotional feeling while he was talking. Hope everything is clear and he can focus on his play.

This is really sad watching Ohtani doing this kind of unpleasant interview…

Ippei was not just an interpreter, but he was basically a personal assistance, manager, long time friend of Ohtani. I don't know if this is common thing in America, but in Korea or Japan, there are few incidents where those "managers" scam athletes or celebrities because they basically handle everything. Since Ohtani doesn't speak English and wanted to focus solely on baseball, he probably let Ippei handle every matter outside of baseball.

When he was a professional baseball player in Japan, he voluntarily sent all of his annual pension of tens of thousands of dollars to his parents. His parents were worried about this and transferred thousands of dollars into his account every month. However, when I checked my account a few months later, none of the money I had transferred had been withdrawn. He said, ``I get three meals in the dormitory, so there's no reason to spend money.'' He testified that whenever his teammates invited him to drink, flirt with women, or gamble, he always refused. He also has no interest in luxury brand clothes or cars, and only eats, sleeps, and occasionally plays games at home. He is a very different person among serious Japanese people, and he is only interested in getting better at baseball.

Whoever knows his character, we all know the truth! We stand by you Shohei! ❤.

I believe him 💯

Otani is a super stoic baseball nut. Gambling? No chance. He was too naive to trust Ippei 100%.

He's a good kid,I believe him...

This actually makes more sense now. Coming from a family of immigrants myself, I know how common it is for immigrants who don't understand english to have some coordinator be a middle-man and give that person access to almost everything, including bank information. Immigrants and expats who don’t speak English are often at the mercy of their translators or their broker to whom they have no choice but to place their trust. I'm sure it's especially difficult for someone with so much money and fame, and it makes sense that Ohtani would only want to give access to one person who they really trust. That way, at the very least, if something goes wrong, you know who to point the finger to. If Ippei was acting as like a chief of staff for Ohtani, all of this makes sense. Ippei himself told media before that translating constitutes 10% of his actual work for Ohtani. Of course, Ohtani has more work to do to clarity the situation, but so far, that seems like a likely scenario. You also have to understand the context in Japanese culture, where men usually work for the family and live on an allowance provided by their parents when they’re single and their wives when they’re married. It’s very common for men to have zero handling of their finances. (Don’t believe me, ask literally anyone with substantive knowledge in Japanese culture.) In a foreign land, it would make sense that he had his closest confidante since 2013 handle it. Let’s also remember that if Ohtani was actually involved in the gambling, as some seem to believe, it doesn’t make sense to implicate Ippei in a theft instead of just that he helped pay off Ippei’s debt-that would mean a higher sentence for Ippei, which makes it less likely for him to “take the fall” for this illegal gambling scheme, and allows Ippei to counter with a multi million dollar defamation claim. Not to mention it would involve stricter investigations into Ohtani himself. It makes zero sense for him or his lawyers to just make that up.

오타니를 전적으로 믿어요! 가족처럼 신뢰하던 사람한테 배신을 당한 그 충격과 슬픔은 너무 크겠지만, 오타니가 잘하고 제일 좋아하는 야구에 더 집중해서 이 힘든시간을 당신의 진짜 가족들과 함께 이겨내요!! 힘내요!

Otani must have had very difficult time I support him

오타니는 잘못이 없다. 나는 오타니를 지지한다❤. Ohtani is not fault.. I fullly support Ohtani❤

Do people who leave comments here in English have bad personalities? As a Japanese speaker, I read Otani's way of speaking and facial expressions, as well as his known characters. I couldn't see any lie in what he said at today's press conference is.

I can imagine that it's difficult for some Americans who do not know Ohtani's history and upbringing in Japan, including how he was even at the Angels to believe fully what Ohtani explained is believable and truth. But as a Japanese who have followed him in Japan and as he moved to MLB, I can attest that what he said is 100% believable. Ohtani since he was a young boy was very focused with specific goals set and worked diligently on the path to achieving them. His parents and especially his mother was instrumental in providing the support he needed so that he can focus 100% on his tasks (the baseball). This is why if you are a baseball fan in Japan, and this is a very well known story in Japan, everyone knows that Ohtani's mother took 100% control of his money (income and expenses) and the set up was simple for Ohtani in that she gave him monthly allowance of very little money. Ohtani used team dormitory and team meals 100% to focus on baseball. This is how he lived in Japan as a NPB player era. Ohtani is known to be frugal and does not spend money like normal pro athletes do. He is not interested in fashion, clothing, shoes, cars, basically not interested in tangible material stuff. Again, this is very well known in Japan about him. Ippei Mizuhara was smart in that he put himself in the position with Ohtani to take care of all of his personal duties out side of baseball so that Ohtani can just focus on baseball as he did in Japan. The identical set up that he had with his mother. Ippei was a perfect man for it and Ohtani trusted him 100%. So in this context, it is very plausible and most likely the case that Ippei had this role (similar to the role Ohtani's mother had in Japan) for Ohtani since he became MLB player. Ippei is not just a translator for Ohtani. Ippei was essentially Ohtani's personal caretaker, personal assistant, consultant, butler, driver, shopper who took care of all Ohtani's needs to live in USA. He therefore had access to Ohtani's bank accounts and was probably helping him on setting up the payables, bills for his expenses etc etc. Don't forget, Ohtani has no experience managing his own money in the past, he is also oblivious to all the living expenses especially in the USA. Ippei was the perfect friend and paid worker for him to do these tasks. In this set up, Ippei can easily transfer Ohtani's money, even 4.5 million without Ohtani knowing (again, Ohtani has been very naive, trusting and indifferent about money matters, except that he knows that he has been getting 50 to 75 million per year on endorsement and baseball contracts even in the past years, so 4.5 million may not be so significant in this light and could not be noticeable if he was trusting Ippei to manage). Agent is there to deal with the baseball contracts and he is not Japanese so he would not have known his personal contents. This is why Ippei is said to have been paid upwards of $400,000 per year to work for Ohtani, where as a regular personal translator working 9 to 5 is paid $150,000ish for a pro-athlete. So you guys take a rest on speculating and jumping to conclusion about Ohtani in this situation. Eventually the investigation will shed a better light on what I am talking about.

Ohtani is the best player to ever play the game. He is on a totally different level than all the other players.

Imagine coming from Japan, fresh off the plane not understanding a lick of English besides “hello” and “bye”. Of course he relied on someone close to manage everything from opening a bank account to handling documents. Ohtani has known Ippei since he was a teenager and has always considered him his close friend. He sees ippei more than he spends time with his wife. It’s entirely possible he gave ippei authorization to handle his finances.

私は、アメリカの人たちが大谷を疑っている事に対してショックを受けています。 彼は嘘をつくような人ではない。

I can tell how furious Mr Ohtani has been feeling during this ordeal which was orchestrated by someone who he really trusted such a long time. Mr Anton did his best as an interpreter this evening even tho this is his first opportunity that gets so much attention globally. It makes sense now that Mr Mizuhara knew everything including the risk of jeopardizing Mr Ohtani’s career and did everything to cover up his massive debt. What a shame. What a shame we trusted and enjoyed his friendship with Mr Ohtani.

What a great guy. Have great game also.

この通訳さん、ハキハキしてて、早口でもなく聞き取りやすい。

I hope this is true!

Americans, please believe in Ohtani.

I am Japanese and understand his statement👍 His new translator doing his best to translated and explained. Always, fond a gap of Translation of language. Foreign laungages has always meaning to fit their word. My pray for Otani to bonce back from this tragedy and play well. 🙏

Good... all clear... Let's Play BALL!!!!

You guys really think Ohtani would gamble for money? LMAO! the guy doesn't need money. He even deferred the $700 million contract and getting only $2 million a year because he could care less about $$$. You guys do realize he makes another like $40 million a year from endorsements and other stuff right? 4 million is like 2 cents to Ohtani. He makes more a year than your entire family's lifetime so stop accusing him lmao

Never doubt Sho, Unicorn never bet.

🥎In any case, he just plays baseball and might set a big record this year.

アメリカは公平な国であるので適切に調査が行われ真実が明らかになるように大谷を応援します

All the power to Ohtani in this trying time stemming from no fault of his, except for trusting someone. I am neither a Dodgers fan nor Japanese, but I have NOTHING but respect for this once-in-a-century Superman. You're the Michael Jordan of baseball, minus the oft-bitter personality.

Ippei was said to have lied about his academic background and company history. Now, I can say with certainty that it is impossible for Otani to see through this. This is because, although Sean K., once a popular economic commentator in Japan, dominated the television world for several years, no one could tell that his entire career was a lie. That's what a real scammer is like.

大谷にこんな事言わせるなよな、、、悲しいよ

Complete truth, as we know now

It is the proof of top player to have some haters.

It’s a shame that Ohtani character and honor is being questioned. Japanese are the most honorable and respectful people. Now he has to defend himself.

I watched shohei ohtani playing baseball for a long time and I have great respect for a baseball legend like him. No way he could have been involved in the gambling thing. Ippei set him up to frame him. If anything ippei should be banned for life from baseball. Shohei has nothing to hide and he knows somethihg was wrong with ippei during their time together

俺は大谷を信じる。 日本人だからとか関係なく、大谷の日頃の行いとギャンブル依存症の水谷のどちらを信じられるか 火を見るより明らかだろう

How did his spokesperson arrange Mizuhara's initial interview with ESPN without Ohtani knowing? edit: If the replies are true, Ippei is scummier than I thought

Showy is a tough guy.

오타니는 잘못이 없다. 나는 오타니를 지지한다❤. Ohtani is pure.. I fullly support Ohtani❤

Ohtani is a kind of a guy who would turn down an invitation from his teammates to go out for a drink or dinner because of practice. He is married to baseball. (though he just got married to a beautiful girl). Gambling is the last thing he would do. I believe his comments here 100%. In contrast, Ippei is a punk. He also lied about his educational background. Now I do not trust any of his comments including the one that he said to the ESPN reporter.

一平さんを家族同然に信頼していたんだし、信頼して全てを任せていたからこそ、異国の地アメリカでも野球に集中出来ていたんだろう。 今回のことは、失ったお金以上に、「信頼できる相手を失ったこと」が何よりつらいんじゃないかな…。 何十億も口座に入ってたら、それに比べて日々使うお金が少額過ぎて、いちいち口座見ようなんて思わないのもわかる。 特に大谷さん、お金に興味ないのは昔から有名だし。 ただただ悲しい。そしてつらい。

I think I better be the interpreter…. Lol he skipped so many of what Shohei mentioned…

Ohtani came to the US to play baseball not gamble. If he was money hungry he would have stayed in Japan. There was no guarantee in the Majors but he took that change because he loves the game.

Ignore the cynical Americans who have prey upon your downfall when you gifted MLB your love of baseball, the rest of us the American fans who understand the role Ippei was in your career managing billing etc trust your words and character.

Of course I believe Otani. This news was a huge shock not only to baseball fans but to all Japanese people. There are a lot of dark news stories like wars in the world and earthquakes in Japan, but Otani's news is always bright. I liked the episodes about the friendship between Otani and Ippei, but I'm sad that we won't be able to see that, and that Otani has been caught up in a scandal outside of baseball. I want Ippei to reveal everything and atone for his crimes, and I want Otani to return to an environment where he can concentrate on baseball as soon as possible

Go smash the world Ohtani, best to ever live...Don't listen to the haters

Until he's proven guilty in a court of Law, I believe Ohtani.

応援しています！大谷選手

Admire Shohei for doing his own press conference. Hopefully things will work themselves out. The question I want to know is why wasn’t the interpreter caught when he was with the Angels? And why no background checks on this guy? Seems strange…,

To all the fans in the United States, he is still investigating, so let's not leave stupid comments here. All we fans can do now is quietly wait for Otani's innocentness to be proven.

He should have had Ippei as his translator for this interview 😂

Hit, pitch, PR... he did the right thing. Sorry he had to experience such betrayal. Live and learn big guy. Have a great season. Go blue..!!!

Anyone here know someone or sports gamble themselves and was hard to quit? I bet one time on Chiefs Superbowl win last year and won 700$ but it really does some chemical changes in your brain like you want more. Fortunately that one sports bet was my last bet despite having some urges. So whoever is responsible, hope they get the help they need. I can see why sports gambling is really fun cause you get to watch the sports you enjoy and if your team isn't in the playoffs you can still have fun with another team.

Shohei is no Pete Rose.

NGL, he's a way better translator than the last dude. No losses here

Missing so much info 😂. Interpreter is such a difficult job.

Why no questions from the press?

What federal agency was involved? When the cops start asking questions, the truth WILL come out. No one dares to lie to the cops and risk prison time!!

why did you have to pick Shohei's kind of eveil face for the thumbnail??

Lmao no way. So, interpreter in jail yet.

Where's his interpreter to interpret? 😂

こんな泣いて馬謖を斬る会見 「信頼していた方」だったんだな、本当に

I would love to see a non-verbal analysis on this!

Ohtani is not the type of person who would get into gambling. He is not interested in spending money and dislikes flashy things. He grew up in a small town that has many rice fields where there are hardly any amusements or stores. His wife carries a $50 Zara purse still nowadays!!! His wife is a classy, sporty woman who wears minimal makeup or no makeup at all and no body-conscious dress! The only reason he drives a Porsche is because it's his sponsor, and the car was given to him for free. He has to drive that for advertisement purposes. His parents refused when Shohei offered to remodel their house, and his sister and brother refused when Shohei offered to buy a house for them, saying that they don't want to use Shohei's money. Shohei truly believes in karma and started picking up trash on the ground, believing that doing something good would bring good luck to him. He has been doing that since he was in high school. Shohei is a humble and good-hearted Japanese person. There is really no way he would get into gambling.

Ohtani's former interpreter clearly lost the best job in the world... Interpreting for Ohtani, traveling the world with him, being paid 300,000 - 500,000 dollars a year for his work.

He doesn’t Drink, Gambling!! I truly trust him and please focus on your game!!

新しい通訳は、大谷さんの言った言葉をほぼそのまま伝えていて、このような内容のスピーチでは、適切ですね。一平さんも良い通訳でしたが、意味やニュアンスを伝えることを優先して、省略したり、解釈を加えた内容を伝えている印象でした。

大谷はお金に関しては使うのも稼ぐのも質素で、野球にだけ情熱を燃やすオタクのような存在だけど、質素過ぎて金銭管理に疎かったと言える。

Very rich interpreter.

Shouldn't he know inglés by now .... He's being here for almost 7 years

Where’s his other translator 😈

7/22/22 Angels vs Braves. Mizusawa bookie

Worse than Pete Rose by a mile.

Shohei is only interested in baseball and women's basketball apparently.

This interpreter failed to translate all the details Otani spoke. I recommend English speakers to review better translations for better understanding.

The bank who handed the wire transfers had to contact Ohtani,since had 9 wire transfers that were made from his account.I don't believe he bet,but helped his friend pay off a debt,but never considered the ramifications of dealing with an illegal bookie.The officers at the bank can put the theft part to bed,if they spoke to Ohtani in person about those wire transfers?

I’m sure 4 million moved without him noticing 😂😂

Ohtani has clearly lost weight. And he has not been able to hit since that incident. I’m worried about his physical condition.

One question that will eventually need to be answered is how much money was stolen and how was it possible that Ohtani was not aware of it.

Put the Ohtani memes to rest he did nothing wrong

no way he was gambling but 100percent he lend him the money 😊

We just need Jack Ruby to get rid of Ipei and Shohei can go back being the superstar.

Im calling BS

Yaaaaaah...whatever liar. Sure you didn't bet on baseball. Pete Rose denied it for 15, whatever years until at that time...he said he did it.

Some argue that Ohtani should explain how Mizuhara, who is merely an interpreter, managed to access Ohtani’s bank account and make unauthorized transfers. However, as for this ‘incident,’ Ohtani has already entrusted it to the judicial authorities. Therefore, the responsibility to resolve this question, that is, to prove the case, lies with the prosecution, not with Ohtani, who is the ‘victim.’ It is legally and morally impossible for Ohtani to explain that he did not make the transfers. In other words, this is a case of ‘proving a negative.’ Many fans of Ohtani, including myself, are highly interested in this question, but it should be well understood that it is quite harsh to force Ohtani to resolve this question at present.

Ippei should have talked to Shohei as a friend about his addiction long time ago. I believe Shohei could've helped him in a legit way. I feel so sad for everyone involved.

I hope this doesn't mess with his mental game. Tarnishing of the family name is a serious thing... even when it isn't warranted. Wouldn't be surprised if someone got this Ippei fella to bet and get in trouble intentionally to damage a top talent. And this is coming from a diehard Braves fan. Need to beat the Dodgers fair and square not with dirty tricks =).

Before everyone starts jumping go conclusions like y'all always freaking do, how about let's wait for all the facts and information to come out before we start casting our judgement? What am I kidding, y'all have the collective memory of a jellyfish. Newsflash to everyone rushing to presume Ohtani is guilty, y'all have been doing this schitck with someone new every year. And you know what happens 19 times out of 20? The person is innocent and you wrongly vilified an innocent man or woman. Need I remind y'all of Matt Araiza, Trevor Bauer, the Covington Kids, Duke Lacrosse, the UVA Scandal with the Rolling Stones, and Richard Jewell? Need I remind you how many innocent people had their lives ruined because y'all decided to jump to conclusions before we heard all the facts? If Ohtani is guilty, then so be it and let him be punished severely. But let's stop rushing to that conclusion before we throw out and screw over the career of another innocent man.

현대차를 탈정도면 물질적인 것에 아무 관심이 없는 사람인건 확실하지

No bookmaker in the world would give a noname translator a 4 million marker, unless he gets guarantees. And the only way to get that is from Ohtani. Also, no way that you give access to your translator or anybody to your account to do money transfers without your approval. Ohtani did it. He is lying.

Ohtani trusted a guy who lied about his school and also working for the Red Sox as Okajima’s translator. Very unfortunate… and curious how Ippei accessed the account with that much money without Shohei knowing. If Ippei is found guilty, this will be an ugly sentencing. A seemingly nice guy Ohtani who will have trouble trusting people. He’s already a low key guy. Gonna be a lonely journey regardless of how much money he makes

大谷翔平さんは何も悪くない。捜査機関に任せてメディアもファンもプレーに集中させてあげましょう。

Case closed, nothing to see here

the lawyers told him exactly what too say

Takes no quesions

So many haters and doubters here. How sad it's easier to distrust someone so eagerly than to give him a benefit of doubts. I'm surprised how many (so called) Japanese natives not believing Shohei. Call me naive or easy to be manipulated. However let me point out as a formally a professional interpreter based in SF bay area, one can become sufficient speaker of English after couple of years living here as far as daily chores but banking ? That's one of the most nerve wrecking business for non native. It makes sense to leave that to a confidant with or without power of attorney. The important word here is CONFIDANT, a someone you trust. Shohei has baseball that he pays all his intent and living and monetary business can be handled by confidant/ personal manager/ secretary which Ippei was to Shohei. Shohei must be a horrendous psychopath if he's able to talk as he did here if you know what I mean to read his facial expressions ,tone of his voice and over all demeaners.

大谷はまだ29歳の若者です。 とても素晴らしい青年に見えても、子供の頃から野球に全てを捧げてきた彼にはまだまだ未熟な所は沢山あります。 良くも悪くも彼が人一倍純粋なのが泣けてくる…