Angels Stun Baseball World, Cancel Shohei Ohtani Tribute Over ‘Criminal’ Betting Scandal Ties

ANAHEIM – Just hours before first pitch of tonight’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Angels dropped a bombshell press release that sent shockwaves through the baseball world.

In the statement, the Angels said they would not be hosting a video tribute for Shohei Ohtani — their former superstar and two-time MVP — citing his “involvement in a baseball betting scandal with criminal implications.”

The press release, issued this morning, reads in part:

“While the Angels recognize Shohei Ohtani as a generational player and pillar of the Los Angeles community, we will not be hosting a video tribute at Angel Stadium tonight due to his involvement in a baseball betting scandal with criminal implications. #FreeIppei.”

Twitter Erupts

Baseball Twitter immediately caught fire with reactions from fans, insiders, and journalists.

Sam Blum (@SamBlum3), Angels beat writer for The Athletic, tweeted:

Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander), known Ohtani superfan, wrote:

Confusion in Dodgers Camp

When asked about the statement pregame, Ohtani himself appeared puzzled:

“I don’t understand why they say this now. I am focused on baseball. This is… surprising,” Ohtani told reporters through a translator, carefully avoiding further detail.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed the uncertainty:

“Honestly, I’m just finding out about it right now. My job is to get the team ready to play, but yeah… I wasn’t expecting that kind of statement.”

The Ippei Mizuhara Connection

The controversy stems from the high-profile March 2024 arrest of Ohtani’s longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was accused of running up millions in illegal gambling debts and wiring money from Ohtani’s accounts to cover them.

While Ohtani maintained he was unaware of Mizuhara’s actions, multiple investigative reports hinted at deeper involvement. Bank transfers, text messages, and unexplained withdrawals fueled speculation that Mizuhara may have acted as a fall guy to protect the Dodgers’ $700 million man.

To date, Ohtani has never been formally charged with a crime, but whispers within MLB circles suggest the league’s internal probe turned up “uncomfortable” evidence — enough for the Angels to feel justified in tonight’s public snub.

A Cold Reception for Shohei Ohtani Awaits from Angels Fans

Instead of the emotional, highlight-filled tribute video fans expected, Ohtani’s second appearance in Anaheim since leaving for the Dodgers will now come with an awkward mix of boos, cheers, and gasps.

For a player once celebrated as the sport’s greatest two-way star, the reception will say as much about the fallout of a scandal as it does about his historic career.