Ohtani hits 175th home run in Major League Baseball, tying Matsui for most by a Japan-born player
Associated PressAPR 2024
Shohei Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter Pleads Guilty to Bank, Tax Fraud
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The Spin
Narrative A
All things considered, Mizuhara’s plea deal is a positive development for Ohtani that will hopefully put this scandal to rest. By all accounts, Ohtani is a victim who was exploited by his interpreter and robbed of millions, and he deserves swift justice. In addition to compensating Ohtani for his losses, this plea deal will mark the end of this unfortunate saga and allow the best player in baseball to focus all his attention on the field.
Narrative B
Everything has been suspiciously quiet around Shohei Ohtani, likely due to his status as one of the MLB's most profitable players. While it appears Ohtani is a victim here, the MLB seems to be applying a different standard to Ohtani’s case than it does to other events. While players like Trevor Bauer and Pete Rose were excommunicated without committing any crimes, Shohei Ohtani’s investigation ended quickly and without any substantive comment from the league.