“Betrayal is tough,” echoed through the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse after they heard of Shohei Ohtani’s nightmarish experience with Ippei Mizuhara. To see the once closest friends stand at this juncture was even a cynic’s worst dream. However, now that the immediate blow of a betrayal has subsided, everyone wants answers. How much did Ohtani know? What did he not know? When did he get to know? And finally, Shohei Ohtani has come forward with a statement. 

While the entire Blue Crew has made it clear that they’re “all behind the guy,” Shotime’s press conference came off as a huge relief for the squad. Finally, Ohtani had cleared a few doubts and made it possible for all of them to move forward. While the superstar’s presser was just around 10–12 minutes long, it gave a lot of things to unpack. 

As the Los Angeles Times reported, Ohtani sat with his interpreter, Will Ireton, in Dodger Stadium’s interview room. “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone whom I trusted has done this.” Ohtani opened the press conference with this comment. “Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.”

Ohtani then denied having any knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling debt. The superstar categorically rejected Mizuhara’s prior comment about the superstar paying off his debt on his behalf. “All of this has been a complete lie,” Ohtani declared through Ireton. Later, the two-way phenom shared that he learned about Mizuhara’s gambling addiction with the team during their Korean trip.

Finally, Ohtani thanked the reporters and shared that he was “looking forward to focusing on the season.” While he was done, Shotime’s teammates immediately showed their support.

“He’s been pretty strong,” teammates comment about Shohei Ohtani’s mental resolve

The Dodgers’ 3B Max Munchy reiterated his belief in Ohtani: “We’re all behind the guy… I believe him 100%. I have his back on that.” He was not alone, as the skipper, Dave Roberts, commented that for a private person like Ohtani, being vulnerable like this is huge. “I heard everything I needed to hear, and I know the players feel the same way… I’m looking forward to just moving forward and letting the authorities take care of this.” Roberts seemed satisfied with Shotime’s explanations.

Muncy also added, “He’s starting to see how we act as a group in this clubhouse and to know that we all have each other’s backs.” Nearly every player has been impressed by Ohtani’s ability to deal with this setback professionally. “It’s kind of sad to see; it’s a tough spot, but he’s been pretty strong,” reliever Joe Kelly said.

“I feel for the guy,” infielder Miguel Rojas expressed. So with the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization behind him, the pain of betrayal can be reduced for Ohtani. But with the scandal just beginning, there’s a long road ahead for the superstar.

Read more: Shohei Ohtani’s Ippei Mizuhara Incident Foreshadows a Bigger Problem? MLB Faces Massive Betting Threat