The world of baseball is reeling from a gambling scandal that has ensnared superstar Shohei Ohtani. The case of Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter and trusted confidant, has exploded into a vortex of unanswered questions, contradictory stories, and potential consequences for the athlete and for Major League Baseball itself.

The scandal erupted when Berk Brettler LLP, lawyers for Ohtani, issued a statement accusing Mizuhara of “massive theft” and stealing millions to cover gambling debts. Mizuhara had initially told ESPN that Ohtani was aware of the debts and had wired money to pay them off—a story both he and an Ohtani spokesperson quickly disavowed after the lawyers released their statement.

Why did Mizuhara suddenly change his story? It’s a question that leaves a lingering sense of unease.

Possible legal issues hang over the situation like a dark cloud. Federal laws prohibit sending money to unlicensed sports gambling operations, and while insider Fabian Ardaya states that he will not be facing any penalties from MLB as of now, the possibilities of Shohei Ohtani facing prosecution in the future remain unclear.

The government typically pursues the bookmakers themselves, but Ohtani may not be entirely in the clear. Could the league take disciplinary action against him, even if it turns out that he was only trying to help a friend?

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Major League Baseball’s initial response has seemed surprisingly muted. An MLB spokesperson stated to The Athletic that the league is “looking into” the situation and “gathering information.”

Read More: Shohei Ohtani’s Silence on Ippei Mizuhara Incident Speaks Volumes, Dodgers Star Avoids Press as Investigation Continues

While this could be the start of an investigation, the league seems more focused on the claim that Shohei Ohtani is a victim, rather than the possibility of wrongdoing on his part. Given MLB’s history of disciplining its stars, their current stance sparks both curiosity and skepticism, making way for further questions to arise.

The far-reaching implications of Shohei Ohtani’s crisis for the sports world

Considering the far reach of the sport, another troubling question looms: Did Mizuhara place bets on baseball? Though he denies doing so, stating he has only placed bets on NBA, NFL, and college baseball, it’s vital to determine for certain.

Major League Baseball’s Rule 21(f) grants the commissioner wide authority to discipline those who engage in betting with illegal bookmakers, aiming to protect “the best interests of baseball.” Ippei Mizuhara’s violation is clear-cut. Ohtani’s potential involvement remains less so. If he paid Mizuhara’s gambling debts knowingly, he may fall into a legal gray area regarding Rule 21.

Even if it’s determined he also placed illegal bets, precedent suggests a fine is likely. The nature of the sport Mizuhara has bet on is crucial since betting on baseball carries the most severe MLB penalties: a minimum one-year suspension or a permanent ban if the game is one the employee is involved in. This casts doubt on Shohei Ohtani’s current team, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ usual vetting processes for players and staff.

Did the team perform a thorough background check on Mizuhara before hiring him? Their history, particularly in light of the Trevor Bauer controversy, suggests a deeper look is warranted. Could it be that the Dodgers, focused on signing Ohtani, overlooked potential red flags with his former interpreter?

The scandal highlights a concerning issue in the increasingly intertwined world of sports and gambling. Leagues, teams, and even sports publications now have lucrative relationships with gambling entities. The constant barrage of betting-related advertisements and messaging could easily blur the lines, leaving athletes and personnel vulnerable to the kinds of problems Ohtani and Mizuhara have encountered.

Read More: Shohei Ohtani to Face Endorsement Issues? “Perfect” Image Takes a Hit Amidst Ippei Mizuhara Scandal

As the details of the Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal continue to develop, its impact is likely to be felt far and wide. The questions raised about gambling, player integrity, and league investigation will have repercussions for Major League Baseball and could leave other leagues re-assessing their relationships with the gambling industry as a whole.