Fresh allegations
A former teammate of MLB star Shohei Ohtani is under investigation for placing illegal bets. David Fletcher allegedly used the same bookmaker as Ohtani’s disgraced ex-interpreter who stole almost $17m from his boss to cover his gambling debts.
pair played together for the Los Angeles Angels for six seasons
The pair played together for the Los Angeles Angels for six seasons and were close friends during that time. The league is now looking into the matter and is seeking cooperation from the government because of the lack of evidence in the case.
Investigators believe that Fletcher placed wagers on sports other than baseball with Matthew Bowyer. Although MLB will want to speak with Bowyer at some point, he can refuse the interview if he is potentially the focus of a criminal investigation.
A complex case
According to a report from ESPN, one of Fletcher’s close friends who is a former minor league player also placed bets with Bowyer, including on games in which Fletcher was playing when with the Angels.
If Fletcher didn’t place any bets on baseball then he will likely just have to pay a fine rather than serve a suspension from the sport. A lifetime ban could otherwise be in store if he bet on Angels games, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred tasked with handing out the final punishment. Famously, legendary Cincinnati Reds player and manager Pete Rose got a permanent ban for betting on games involving his own team.
Fletcher spoke to ESPN in March about how he attended a poker game at the team’s hotel in San Diego in 2021 when Ohtani’s former interpreter first met Bowyer. While he admitted knowing that Bowyer was a bookmaker, he told the news outlet that he never placed any bets.
Ongoing scandal in baseball
Bowyer is already embroiled in a federal investigation along with his reality television star friend. Ippei Mizuhara allegedly sent wire transfers from his boss’s bank account to “Real Housewives of Orange County” cast member Ryan Boyajian to cover his gambling debts.
Mizuhara is facing up to 33 years in prison
The television star and his friend would then allegedly gamble the money in casinos to try to launder the criminal proceeds. While Boyajian is reportedly cooperating with the authorities in exchange for immunity, Mizuhara is facing up to 33 years in prison and has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors.