Wild ‘It’s All Over for Me’ Text From Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter to Bookie Revealed in Criminal Complaint

Tom Dierberger | Apr 11, 2024

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani, stole more than $16 million from the two-way superstar's bank accounts, according to federal authorities.

Mizuhara was accused of bank fraud in a lengthy criminal complaint Thursday, a 37-page document featuring evidence of text messages, phone calls and bank records that indicate the interpreter falsely identified himself as Ohtani to authorize transfers to cover gambling debts.

The text messages from Mizuhara to the bookie included in the criminal complaint ranged from the interpreter saying he is "messing around" with betting college soccer to going back and forth on plans for payment.

But one text exchange—the last one included in the criminal complaint—stood out among the rest.

"Have you seen the reports?” Mizuhara sent to the bookmaker on March 20, shortly after ESPN and the Los Angeles Times reports about the situation were published.

“Yes, but that’s all bulls---," the bookmaker replied. "Obviously you didn’t steal from him. I understand it’s a cover job I totally get it.”

“Technically I did steal from him," Mizuhara responded. "It’s all over for me.”

Mizuhara lost nearly $183 million in total bets and won over $142 million, leaving a net debt of over $40 million. The interpreter never placed a single bet on baseball.

Mizuhara met Ohtani in 2013 and served as his personal interpreter when the two-way superstar signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017. He made the leap to the Dodgers with Ohtani in December but was fired by the organization on March 20 after reports of the gambling scandal emerged.