ESPN's Tisha Thompson with the latest on the Shohei Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal

Summary

Investigative reporter Tisha Thompson from ESPN has uncovered a complex story involving a series of suspicious wire transfers linked to baseball player Shohei Ohtani. The initial claim by Ohtani's interpreter, Epe Mahara, was that he had accumulated gaming debts and Ohtani had helped him pay them off. However, Mahara later admitted to lying, stating Ohtani was unaware of the debts and did not make the payments. Ohtani's attorneys have since reported a 'massive theft,' and the situation is under federal investigation. The MLB is closely monitoring the federal inquiry, as there is limited precedent for this type of situation in modern sports betting. Mahara has been fired, and the bookmaker involved has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Takeaways

• 📞 The story involves a series of wire transfers linked to a bank account in Shohei Otani's name, which were sent to a Southern California bookmaker under investigation by federal authorities.
• 🕵️‍♂️ ESPN investigative reporter Tisha Thompson broke the story, revealing details of the wire transfers and the subsequent fallout.
• 🎲 Eiji Mahara, Otani's longtime interpreter and close friend, initially claimed that the wire transfers were to pay off his own gaming debts, which he said Otani helped him with.
• 🔄 Mahara later recanted his story, admitting that he lied about Otani's involvement and that Otani did not make the payments or know about the gaming debts.
• 💼 The amount in question is substantial, with at least $4.5 million sent from the bank account associated with Otani.
• 🗣️ Otani's attorneys have issued a statement claiming a 'massive theft' and have reported the matter to authorities.
• 🤔 There are questions about the legitimacy of the wire transfers and whether Otani was aware or involved in approving them.
• 🏈 MLB rules prohibit athletes from using a bookmaker, but there is no clear precedent for this situation as it relates to sports betting.
• 🔍 The MLB is closely monitoring the federal investigation and may be waiting for its outcome to determine their response.
• 🇰🇷 The story unfolded while Otani and Mahara were in South Korea for the season opener between the Dodgers and the Padres.
• 🔎 The investigation is ongoing, with no charges filed against the bookmaker and no questioning by federal authorities of Otani or Mahara at the time of the report.

Q & A

What series of events led to the investigation involving Otani and a Southern California bookmaker?

The investigation began when multiple sources and bank documents revealed a bank account in Otani's name that was sending wire transfers to a Southern California bookmaker. This bookmaker and the operation around him are under investigation by federal authorities.

Who is Epe Mahara and what is his relationship with Otani?

Epe Mahara is Otani's longtime interpreter and is characterized as Otani's closest friend. Their bond is described as being as close as brothers, with Mahara spending more time with Otani than with his own wife.

What was the initial explanation provided by Mahara regarding the wire transfers?

Mahara initially claimed that the wire transfers were to pay off his gaming debts, which he had gotten into over his head. He said he asked Otani to help pay off these debts, and Otani eventually agreed to do so.

What changed in Mahara's story after further questioning?

After further questioning, Mahara recanted his initial story, admitting that he lied. He said that Otani was not aware of the gaming debts and did not make the payments.

What was the response from Otani's attorneys regarding the wire transfers?

Otani's attorneys issued a statement claiming that there had been a massive theft and that they were turning the matter over to the authorities.

How much money was involved in the wire transfers from the bank account linked to Otani?

At least $4.5 million had been sent from the bank account through a series of wire transfers.

What is the significance of the timing of the phone call between the reporter and Mahara?

The phone call took place late Tuesday night, a couple of hours before the season opener between the Dodgers and the Padres, which was taking place in South Korea.

What is the MLB's stance on athletes betting and using bookmakers?

According to the rules, MLB athletes are not allowed to use a bookmaker and they cannot bet on baseball. However, betting on other sports is permissible if bookmaking is legal.

What actions have been taken by the MLB in response to this situation?

The MLB has not taken any direct actions yet but is closely following the federal investigation. Mahara was fired instantly after the allegations were made public.

What is the current status of the federal investigation involving the bookmaker?

As of the information available, the bookmaker has not been charged with anything, and neither Otani nor Mahara have been questioned by federal authorities.

What is the next step for the investigative reporter covering this story?

The reporter is trying to determine which authorities have been contacted and is following the federal investigation closely to understand the developments and report on them.