What does Dave Roberts think about the Shohei Ohtanii scandal?

Shohei Ohtani is the highest-paid athlete in the world after signing a record 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth $700 million. In addition, the double threat will earn $65 million in sponsorships during 2024, which sees him top the list of extra-curricular earners for MLB.

But Ohtani has found himself in the eye of a hurricane after his former translator Ippei Mizuhara was fired amidst a betting scandal, and now Major League Baseball is investigating Ohtani’s involvement in the matter. On Monday the Los Angeles Dodgers held a press conference for the Japanese superstar to clarify his position, but there are still questions to be answered.

What came to light was that Mizuhara received wire transfers of $4.5 million from Ohtani’s personal accounts, which was used to place bets on NFL, soccer, and college football games. Ohtani reiterated on Monday that he would never place bets on MLB games or other sports and that he never asked anyone to do so on his behalf.

What Dave Roberts said about the investigation

“I think today was a positive day for Shohei all around,” said Roberts. “I think Shohei was very honest in his take with what has happened. I know that for me, the organization, we support him. I got a lot of questions answered, as far as what he knew, what he didn’t know. I’m looking forward and letting the authorities do their job so we can focus on baseball. I was proud of him, to sit up here and give his take on things.”

Ohtani will make his home debut on Thursday when the Dodgers host the Cardinals at Chávez Ravine.