Ohtani addresses gambling allegations, accuses interpreter of theft

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara answer questions during a news conference at Dodger Stadium in December. Mizuhara has been fired from the Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft. Pic: AP

Shohei Ohtani said Monday he never bet on sports or knowingly paid any gambling debts accumulated by his longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

Instead, the Los Angeles Dodgers star claims his close friend lied to him for years and stole millions from the two-time MVP.