Dodgers' two-way superstar and the face of Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani, found himself embroiled in a bizarre scandal this week involving his longtime translator and friend, Ippei Mizuhara.

Mizuhara is alleged to have stolen upwards of $5 million dollars and paid illegal bookmakers for sports bets on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football.

What makes this story particularly odd is the way the news unfolded. On March 19th, Mizuhara told ESPN that Ohtani had paid his gambling debts at the interpreter's request. However, the very next day, Mizuhara walked it back, stating Ohtani had no knowledge of his gambling activities.

Initially, the internet was quick to speculate with hit pieces flying out after Mizuhara balked on his claim of Ohtani's involvement. But after Mizuhara addressed the Dodgers team, most have come to believe the Japanese superstar's assertion that he was unaware of his translator's illegal activities.

What lends credibility to Ohtani's claim is the testimony of former teammates, who have shared that Shohei showed a lack of interest in virtually all sports outside of baseball. Had he truly been using Mizuhara as a go-between with an illegal sportsbook, you would think a Borussia Dortmund match would be playing on the Angel Stadium jumbotron between innings.

While the full truth remains uncertain, one thing is clear: this bizarre saga is likely just the first of many stories we'll see as legalized sports betting becomes increasingly intertwined with professional sports leagues.

AP Story