commissioner Rob Manfred believes the gambling scandal surrounding star will be resolved sooner rather than later. Speaking on MLB Network's "High Heat with Chris Russo" on Opening Day, Manfred shared the importance of maintaining fans' the game's biggest star. The 65-year-old shared he hopes the investigation surrounding Ohtani will be resolved in a "short time". "Given the way the story unfolded, it's important in assuring our fans about the integrity of the game that we verify the things that Mr. Ohtani said, it's really that simple," Manfred said Thursday, . Additionally, into Ohtani is separate from the federal authorities' current investigation. "It's really difficult for the federal authorities to cooperate with us fully when they have their own ongoing investigation so I think this is one where we'll have to proceed on our own," Manfred continued. "We never have the kind of authority that law enforcement people have, but we manage to get these investigations done and find the facts and I'm sure we will on this one. I hope [it's] short, but I just don't know." While the Dodgers were in
South Korea to play the San Diego Padres as part of the "Seoul Series", reports arose that Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly incurred a massive gambling debt to an illegal bookmaker in Southern California. After Ohtani's representatives initially stated the Japanese star transferred money to cover Mizuhara's debts - which were reported to be around $4.5 million total - the law firm representing then claimed the 29-year-old had been the "victim of a massive theft." The gambling scandal surrounding Ohtani has rocked the Dodgers and MLB as a whole. However, Dodgers star Mookie Betts noise away from their locker room, especially as the team continues to help Ohtani . "No, no, no, no," Betts said during a charity event in Southern
California before the start of the 2024 MLB season. "We're just focused on business. Taking care of business and that's all we keep first." Betts' comments come after Dave Roberts, Los Angeles's manager, claimed the scandal surrounding Ohtani could especially in the face of adversity. "Actually, I would argue that it's going to help relationships internally, because there's no longer a buffer," Roberts told reporters. All the latest news, showbiz, lifestyle and sports updates, brought to you by our dedicated
American team. to make sure you're not missing out. "I've already seen it. The last couple days, I think Shohei's been even more engaging with his teammates, and I think there's only upside with that." Ohtani, an famously private athlete, has seen his life become very public in his first year as a member of the Dodgers. He only recently he had married Mamiko Tanaka, a Japanese
basketball star. With all eyes turned to him, Ohtani on the situation: "I never bet on
baseball or any other sports. I have never asked someone to do that on my behalf. I never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports. Up until a couple days ago, I didn’t know this was happening. Ippei has been stealing money from my account, and has told lies."