The Dark Side of Shohei Ohtani’s Support Network: Ippei Mizuhara’s Criminal Complaint Reveals Flaws in System

CAA promised Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers P/DH, a strong support system that included various professionals such as a bookkeeper, financial manager, accountant, sports marketing expert and a lead agent. The goal of this support network was to allow Ohtani to focus solely on his hitting and pitching abilities while leaving other responsibilities to the professionals at CAA. However, despite the infrastructure put in place by CAA, former longtime translator Ippei Mizuhara’s behavior was not accounted for.

Lindsey Adler of the WALL STREET JOURNAL noted that Ohtani’s relationship with Mizuhara held a significant amount of power as Mizuhara served as a liaison for Ohtani with his teammates, coaches and the media. In addition to these roles, Mizuhara also acted as a spokesperson for Ohtani on matters related to CAA. The criminal complaint filed against Mizuhara highlighted how Ohtani’s lead agent Nez Balelo often communicated with him through Mizuhara rather than directly. This reliance on Mizuhara by various parties ultimately compromised the protective fortress that CAA had built around Ohtani, showcasing the vulnerability that existed when one person held so much influence in the player’s inner circle.