“If This Had Been LeBron James”: ESPN Analyst Lashes Out At Shohei Ohtani Over Silence On Gambling Controversy
Follow Us
In a surprising turn of events, Shohei Ohtani’s Ippei Mizuhara scandal has gone quiet. While there have been some bizarre takes, the focus has completely shifted to the continued on-field domination by Ohtani. As a result, many are wondering whether Ohtani is getting an easy pass. So while Ohtani’s fans may have moved on, this silence has frustrated a few experts including the top broadcaster and ESPN analyst Michael Kay.
Recently in The Michael Kay Show, the panelists were asked about the complete silence of Ohtani regarding the gambling scandal. Apart from his official statement, the superstar hasn’t been asked anything about the allegations against Mizuhara. Kay and the New York Rangers radio host Don La Greca were visibly frustrated by this situation.
“I think the most unbelievable thing to me – fans don’t care about this. This guy has never had to take questions on this – not once! What other athlete in any professional sport would be allowed to remain mum, not say a word other than the prepared statement?” Kay wondered. To this, La Greca said that perhaps the regionalism of baseball could be responsible for this situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It’s a regional sport, it was a big deal for a little bit then we kind of settled in…No one cares anymore like if this had been Lebron James, it would be going on and on and on. I mean Ohtani’s a name but let’s be honest…he’s played in the West Coast his entire life, people are focused on their teams,” Greca said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That didn’t satisfy Kays. He wondered why Ohtani gets special treatment. Later Kays gave an example of the East Coast teams (especially the New York Yankees) regarding accountability.
“A-Rod answered questions” Kay compares Shohei Ohtani to other baseball stars
“It’s amazing to me after every type of tough loss Francisco Lindor talks, Aaron Judge talks, Juan Soto the biggest stars in the world. This guy does not have to answer a question and he’s in the middle of what could be the biggest scandal in baseball history,” Kay said. Later he noted that even Alex Rodriguez answered questions. So did Pete Rose. Kays noted that had Ohtani been in the Yankees the media would have grilled him with questions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It’s quite clear that the frustration regarding Ohtani’s silence is quite high. However, it’s also true that despite the silence the investigation is still ongoing. More importantly, Ohtani may have said all he had to say in his official statement. Perhaps that’s why even the fans have begun focusing on Ohtani’s performance on the field. After all, that’s the thing they fell in love with.
Trending
Bucks Injury Report: Game 6 Return for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Looks Plausible After Miraculous Win
May 01, 2024 06:21 AM EDT
Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers
April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees
April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT
“Kissing & Hugging Too Much”: Charles Barkley Claims Michael Jordan Had No Friends, Warns Anthony Edwards of Tough Future
April 30, 2024 07:00 AM EDT
“I’m So Disappointed in Kobe”: Charles Barkley’s Bold Take on Live TV Forced a Midnight Call With Frustrated Lakers Legend
May 02, 2024 02:13 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Edited by:
Sampurna Pal