Shocking revelations have emerged regarding a gambling operation involving prominent figures in the sports world. Sources close to the operation have disclosed to ESPN that former professional poker player Matt Bowyer dealt directly with a sportsbook associate named Mizuhara, placing bets on international soccer games and other sports, excluding baseball, since 2021.
One source revealed that Bowyer was aware of the electronic transfers associated with Mizuhara’s bets but chose not to inquire further as payments continued to flow in. However, Bowyer reportedly allowed individuals to believe that Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani was a client in order to attract more business.
Bowyer’s attorney, Diane Bass, denied any direct contact between Bowyer and Ohtani, stating, “Mr. Bowyer has never met or spoken to Shohei Ohtani.” She declined to comment further on the matter.
In a recent interview facilitated by Ohtani’s spokesperson, Mizuhara confessed to approaching Ohtani last year for assistance in settling his substantial gambling debt, which had soared to at least $4.5 million. Mizuhara mentioned that he had previously placed bets through legal platforms like DraftKings and believed his bets through Bowyer were also lawful.
Following a discussion with Ohtani, Mizuhara disclosed that the baseball star agreed to cover his debts as a gesture of goodwill, reiterating that Ohtani had no knowledge or involvement in the gambling activities. Mizuhara admitted his wrongdoing and expressed regret, vowing to never engage in sports betting again.
However, Mizuhara later retracted some of his statements, asserting that Ohtani was unaware of his gambling debts and denied any direct money transfers from the athlete. Mizuhara and Ohtani share a close relationship beyond their professional ties, with Mizuhara serving as Ohtani’s interpreter and confidant since the player’s move to the U.S. in 2018.
The unfolding scandal has drawn the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB), with potential sanctions looming for those involved in illicit gambling activities. Federal authorities became aware of the situation during an investigation into Bowyer’s operation, which culminated in a raid on Bowyer’s residence last October.
The intricate web of deceit and financial mismanagement underscores the pervasive challenges faced by athletes and individuals within the sports industry. As the investigation progresses, the ramifications of this scandal could have far-reaching implications for those implicated in the gambling ring.
For now, the focus remains on unraveling the intricate details of this scandal and holding those responsible for their actions. Stay tuned as more developments unfold in this evolving saga.