Ohtani Caught-Up, Sabonis Sets the Record, Team USA and More
USMNT goes into action, Ohtani is in the news for the wrong reasons, the NBA gets a new double-double king and more
Shohei Ohtani’s Situation
Matthew Bowyer, a bookie with strong connections to Las Vegas, allegedly received millions of dollars from the bank account of the Los Angeles Dodgers star Shoehi Ohtani. Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani's former interpreter, has been accused of a significant embezzlement of the Japanese player's money. Mizuhara is currently being investigated by the IRS, according to the Associated Press.
A spokesperson for Ohtani initially stated that the wire transfer was made to settle the gambling debts of Mizuhara, which the interpreter himself confirmed to ESPN as well. However, later on, the spokesperson for Ohtani refuted Mizuhara's claims. Mizuhara also changed his explanation too. He said that Ohtani was not involved in the situation and had no awareness of the gambling debts.
Ohtani did not take questions when he finally addressed the media about the situation with his interpeter and best friend. Ohtani said Monday:
“I never bet on baseball or any other sports or never have asked somebody to do it on my behalf and I have never gone through a bookmaker to bet on sports.”
Some have said the language barrier may have put Ohtani in this situation. Yet, teammates like Mike Trout have been surprised by his english in the past.
Ohtani still got cheers in his return to Angel Stadium. His manager said Ohtani is reportedly more engaged with his teammates without Mizuhara too.
More questions about this situation answered here.
The Double-Double Crown Comes to Sacramento
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis secured his 54th consecutive double-double. That surpassed Kevin Love as the NBA’s leader since the merger.
Love congratulated Sabonis after the new record was set. Sabonis did it again the next night. He is averaging 9.7 rebounds with 13.7 rebounds per game. That includes 40% shooting from three-point range.
LOOK OUT: The Kings are in the No. 7 seed with 42-30 overall record. They are one game back from the sixth spot.
Team USA Update
USMNT beats Mexico 2-0 in the Concacaf Nations League final on Sunday. It was temporarily halted after Mexico fans repeatedly used an anti-LGBTQ+ chant. USA won their third-straight Concacaf Nations League Championship.
The team followed that with a 2-2 in an exhibition against France. USA clawed their way back from behind versus the Paris 2024 Olympic host. Forward Haji Wright and goalkeeper Drake Callender are two California natives on the roster.
What’s Next? The USWNT will be back in action versus Japan on April 6th at 9:30 AM in the SHEBELIEVES CUP. The Men will be back in June.
West Coast Links
All the sports news from the West Coast you may have missed. Feel free to click thru to learn more.
NFL
Brady making progress in ownership
49ers overpaid a player and lost a draft pick
Seahawks lost Mario Edwards Jr. and Evan Brown
Fredette headlines 3-on-3 squad for Team USA
Why young players love Paul George
Aiyuk calls cap on contract negotiations
Daniel Bullocks tore his Achilles
Jayden Daniels only threw at his Pro Day
Jordan Love thinks Green Bay can make the Super Bowl
MLB
Will Smith gets a 10-year, $140 million extension with the Dodgers
Miguel Sano makes the Angels roster
JD Martinez signs with the Mets
A’s acquire T.J. McFarland from the Dodgers
Dodgers, Cubs to play in Japan next season
NBA
Barnes caught a fade with a possum
DJ Wilson talks about his opportunity with the 76ers
Jrue Holiday still talking about his trade
Dodgers fans will like these Kobe shoes
Batum on his trade from the Clippers
NHL
LAFC reportedly finalizing agreement with Olivier Giroud
Portland ranked as a top market for NHL expansion
That’s all we got this week. Any thoughts on Kendrick’s verse in Like That?