The controversy surrounding Ippei Mizuhara’s firing continues to unfold. The fact that baseball’s biggest friendship has seen such a term has puzzled nearly every fan. However, while it’s easy to empathize with what the fans feel, it’s tough to understand Shohei Ohtani’s current mindset. In the wake of gambling allegations against his former best buddy, Ohtani has chosen to remain silent. This silence is haunting but at the same time worth a million words for the Los Angeles Dodgers – who are hoping that things get well soon. However, those hopes have a long way to go before becoming reality.

It isn’t that Ohtani got betrayed (as say the fans), it’s that he’s marred in a controversy that derailed Pete Rose’s Hall-of-Fame dreams. For a generational player like Ohtani, this could be disturbing but also as Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times said – a sign to “grow up.” However, while his personal life is going through chaos, what about his professional journey? Is it in trouble too?

Shohei Ohtani’s toughest battle is about to begin

The fact that this Ippei Mizuhara incident has two distinct stories is an issue in itself. While the Los Angeles Times reported that Ohtani’s lawyers announced Shotime was a victim of a “massive theft” from Mizuhara, ESPN’s story differs. According to them, Ohtani’s representative had arranged a 90-minute interview Mizuhara with wherein the interpreter shared that it was Ohtani who sent the money to the bookmaker to help Mizuhara’s gambling debt.

However, while Ohtani’s remained silent, social media is flush with speculations. Till now Shotime has lived a sheltered existence, with little to no interaction with the outside world. But in a murky situation like this, gradually he might have to answer some tough questions.

For a person who lives and breathes baseball, this could prove to be a major problem. Add to that this is Shohei Ohtani’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The pressure was already quite high and now this controversy has increased it more. Could it affect the happy-go-lucky Ohtani?

Baseball career on the line – will Shotime maintain his shine?

Unlike other players, Ohtani’s popularity comes from the fact that he brings joy to the game. For a star of his caliber, he hasn’t ever been marred with controversies. Thanks to his close circle the superstar’s focus has never shifted from baseball. After all, his NPB stint was filled with stories of Ohtani never leaving the team’s dorm. Even the control of his finances was never in his hands. 

But now for the first time, Ohtani’s in the center of this huge scandal. The protection that gave him a chance to become this phenomenon could be eroding soon. If there’s any consolation, it’s that in the first game after this issue Ohtani managed to get a hit, a run, and an RBI. However, with this controversy ready to stretch, the $700 million star will have to do what he has never done before – perform without any protection.

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