The court case that has pitted Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star Shohei Ohtani and his former player, Ippei Mizuhara, against each other since this week is a tale of betrayal that goes beyond the legal. Mizuhara, who was Ohtani’s close friend and confidant, faces bank and tax fraud charges that he siphoned off nearly $17 million from the athlete, using some of the money to buy collectible baseball cards.

The case not only highlights the vulnerabilities of public figures to those who abuse their trust, but also raises questions about the consequences of personal relationships on the professional and financial lives of athletes and the extent to which they are responsible for the decision-making of third parties on their behalf. It also raises the question whether sports federations, leagues and entities should make tools or resources available to athletes to prevent such cases.

A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP OF TRUST

Mizuhara was not just Ohtani’s interpreter: he was part of Ohtani’s inner circle. He accompanied him at historic moments, from his MVP titles to the signing of his record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. Behind this relationship, however, was a web of lies that are now being exposed in court.

The fact that Mizuhara used his closeness with Ohtani to access his bank accounts and spend thousands of dollars on gambling and collectible cards is both an emotional and financial blow. The relationship, which seemed an example of loyalty, has now become the ultimate symbol of betrayal.

FRAGILITY OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Ohtani’s case highlights the risks high-profile athletes face when mixing their personal and professional lives. Mizuhara was not just a performer; he was a friend who reportedly shared family and social moments with Ohtani. This level of trust can be a strength, but it can also be a weakness when proper controls are not in place.

The lesson for other athletes is clear: even the closest relationships require boundaries and financial oversight. The absence of strict protocols allowed Mizuhara to exploit his position of trust to commit these crimes. While legal measures are essential, the implementation of professional financial and personal management teams could be the key to protecting both his assets and his personal relationships.

Mizuhara faces a potential sentence of more than 30 years in federal prison, in addition to the obligation to make restitution of nearly $17 million to Ohtani and more than $1 million to the IRS. As a legal resident of the United States on a green visa, he also faces the possibility of deportation to Japan after serving his sentence. While the legal penalties are severe, personally, the damage to Ohtani’s reputation and trust is incalculable. This process not only means recovering his money, but also rebuilding his trusted environment.

WARNING TO THE SPORTS INDUSTRY

Beyond the specific case, this situation highlights a broader problem in the sports industry: the lack of regulation and oversight of athletes’ personal and financial relationships. While sports organisations often focus on performance on the field, they also have a responsibility to educate their players on how to protect themselves off the field.

SPORT AS A REFUGE AND ‘REHABILITATION

Despite this betrayal, Ohtani continues to shine on the field. This year, he led the Dodgers to a World Series victory and earned his third MVP award. These sporting achievements serve as a reminder of his resilience, even if the legal process continues to cast a shadow over his personal life. Sport can be a refuge for Ohtani, but also a platform to reflect on the importance of rigorous professional management that protects athletes from unnecessary risk. Both on the part of the athletes themselves and on the part of sports federations and organisations, which can offer tools for such protection.

In the eyes of society, Shohei Ohtani remains a baseball icon and an example of overcoming, even in the face of such a profound betrayal… this reading is also inspiring because something so serious has not interfered with his goals, which have helped him to achieve happiness and get through this ordeal in the best possible way.