The two Hawaii-based real estate developers, Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and Tomoko Matsumoto, secured the Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani’s endorsement deal back in 2023. They financed the Dodgers star for the $240 million luxury housing project, hoping that “Ohtani’s star power would attract other high-net-worth individuals to purchase properties.” Now, two years later, for the same housing project called The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, Ohtani and his agent were sued for “unjust enrichment” and “tortious interference.” 

For the record, this is not a criminal case. Ohtani’s involvement happens to be more symbolic than direct. His contribution might be only to the extent of lending his global image.

Now, while all the lawsuit mess is hanging over him, Ohtani’s plate is full on the field as well. With the San Diego Padres surging their way, the club couldn’t have afforded another distraction. After the Dodgers’ 6-5 loss on Wednesday night, where Ohtani pitched for the first time against his former team, he was asked if the lawsuit was getting in his head. Calm as ever, he said, “I’m focused on what the team is doing, doing everything I can,” via his interpreter.

However, after attorney Arash Sadat of Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP reviewed the filing, he emphasized that, as per law, the Dodgers star can be held liable if his agent has any brief involvement. The allegations against his agent, Nez Balelo, were that he had interfered with the housing project along the Mauna Kea Resort’s Hapuna Coast.

As per the plaintiffs, Belalo had demanded adjustments to the project and increased perks, which eventually resulted in their firing.

Fortunately, Ohtani doesn’t have to worry much. The firm overseeing the project, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, rejected these claims without delay. Issuing a statement, the company confirmed that the decision to fire Hayes and Matsumoto was solely theirs. It was internally taken and had no connection whatsoever to Ohtani or his agent, Balelo. Describing the suit, they said it was “completely frivolous and without merit.”

Now, the housing development is right on track and still a world-class project.

But why do legal battles seem to follow Shohei Ohtani?

It’s Japan’s Babe Ruth—Shohei Ohtani, who is globally hailed. It’s not surprising at first glance that such legal headlines gravitate towards him. As it seems to the analysts, Ohtani’s involvement is all symbolic and not direct. He has done endorsement deals for many brands. He’s the face of many Japanese products and services.

He is on pace to make $100 million alone in endorsements this year. It will place him among global phenoms such as Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo. For the second time since coming to LA, Ohtani has been dragged into legal crossfire.

First, his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stole nearly $17 million from him. And now, this civil lawsuit. But this one might not affect Ohtani like the previous one. Analysts Travis Rodgers and Harry Ruiz also believe it’s unlikely that Shotime will be affected at all.

Even Colin Cowherd, who had defended Ohtani last year in the gambling scandal, opened up about this case on Wednesday. He noted that Ohtani, who is not even fluent in the language of the country he lives in, couldn’t possibly be involved in real estate matters. “He’s not a real estate icon,” Cowherd exclaimed.

Now, even the Hawaiian company has taken responsibility for its decisions. Looks like Ohtani and Co. can now breathe easy.