Current:Home > MarketsReport: MLB investigating David Fletcher, former Shohei Ohtani teammate, for placing illegal bets -MoneyMentor
Report: MLB investigating David Fletcher, former Shohei Ohtani teammate, for placing illegal bets
View
Date:2025-04-12 11:28:40
Major League Baseball has reportedly opened an investigation into a former Los Angeles Angels teammate of Shohei Ohtani's for allegations that the teammate placed bets with an illegal bookmaker — the same one linked to Ohtani's long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
According to ESPN, the league is trying to gather evidence to corroborate the allegations that David Fletcher, who was Ohtani's teammate for six seasons from 2018-2023 and is now playing for the Gwinnett Stripers, the Atlanta Braves Triple-A affiliate, placed bets with Southern California bookmaker Matthew Bowyer.
This follows the initial ESPN report, which first revealed that Fletcher, 29, had allegedly placed the wagers with Bowyer.
According to ESPN, a close friend of Fletcher's, former minor leaguer Colby Schultz, also placed bets with Bowyer. ESPN reported that Schultz placed bets on baseball games, including Angels games that Fletcher played in during his time with the team.
Citing an anonymous source, ESPN reported that the MLB investigation could depend on cooperation from law enforcement. The outlet also reported that Fletcher is expected to be interviewed as part of the MLB investigation.
All things Angels: Latest Los Angeles Angels news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
Fletcher told ESPN in a March interview that he never placed a bet himself with Bowyer's organization.
Fletcher has eight at-bats this season for the Braves and has recorded a pair of hits and two RBI. He is hitting .244 in 31 games for the Stripers, with 16 RBI. He has also made several relief pitching appearances for the Stripers.
According to ESPN, Fletcher could continue to play for the team while MLB conducts its investigation.
Mizuhara pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles federal court Tuesday, but his attorney reiterated to a judge that Mizuhara has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Federal authorities say that Mizuhara, allegedly stole $17 million from Ohtani to fuel a gambling addiction. Mizuhara is accused of felony bank fraud and could face more than three decades in prison when he is sentenced.
Contributing: Scooby Axson
veryGood! (2498)
Related
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Hundreds rescued from floodwaters around Houston as millions in Texas, Oklahoma, remain under threat
- Lance Bass, Robin Thicke, more went to this massive billionaire wedding. The internet was enraged.
- 'SNL' tackles Columbia University protests and spoofs JoJo Siwa as Dua Lipa hosts
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Stars or Golden Knights? Predicting who wins Game 7 and goes to second round
- Usher's Lovers & Friends canceled, music festival cites Las Vegas weather
- Wayfair Way Day 2024: Save up to 60% off on Bedroom Furniture, Bedding, and Decor
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Small anti-war protest ruffles University of Michigan graduation ceremony
Ranking
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Mike Trout's GOAT path halted by injuries. Ken Griffey Jr. feels the Angels star's pain.
- Book excerpt: You Never Know by Tom Selleck
- Anna Nicole Smith's Daughter Dannielynn Birkhead, 17, Debuts New Look at Kentucky Derby
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- What a judge’s gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
- Driver dies after crashing into White House perimeter gate, Secret Service says
- NASCAR Kansas race spring 2024: Start time, TV, live stream, lineup for AdventHealth 400
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Travis Kelce Makes Surprise Appearance at Pre-2024 Kentucky Derby Party
NHL Stanley Cup playoffs 2024: Scores, schedule, times, TV for second-round games
National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Former President Donald Trump shows up for Formula One Miami Grand Prix
Anna Nicole Smith's Daughter Dannielynn Birkhead, 17, Debuts New Look at Kentucky Derby
Marc Summers delves into career and life struggles in one-man play, The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers