A former teammate of Shohei Ohtani at the Los Angeles Angels bet on sports with the same illegal bookmaker as the Japanese star's former interpreter who is facing fraud charges, ESPN reported Friday citing multiple sources.
David Fletcher, Ohtani's teammate from 2018 to 2023 and described as his best friend while at the Angels, placed bets with the bookmaking operation like the embattled interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, the report said.
It added a Major League Baseball source expects the league to investigate the player, currently at the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A affiliate.
Mizuhara is alleged to have stolen $16.98 million from one of Ohtani's accounts from November 2021 to March this year to cover gambling debts and other personal expenses.
The report said Fletcher claimed in March that he did not introduce Mizutani to the bookmaker, named Mathew Bowyer, but was present at the 2021 poker game in San Diego where the pair first met, with Bowyer gaining entry to the team hotel through an acquaintance of Fletcher.
The report said Fletcher is not accused of betting on baseball games.
Related coverage:
Ex-Ohtani interpreter Mizuhara's next hearing to be held June 4
Shohei Ohtani shares sleeping trouble caused by ex-interpreter
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter appears in L.A. court as fraud case continues
