By Trend News Line 2024-05-18 01:44:17.
**The illegal gambling operation involving David Fletcher in the Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal**
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In a shocking development regarding the illegal gambling operation at the center of the Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal, it has been reported that one of Ohtani’s former teammates, David Fletcher, is also allegedly involved. Fletcher, who previously played with Ohtani on the Los Angeles Angels and is now with the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett, is said to have placed bets with bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, according to ESPN.
**Fletcher’s alleged involvement in illegal gambling**
According to reports, Fletcher’s close friend and former Kansas City Royals minor leaguer, Colby Schultz, was also implicated in the illegal gambling operation. Schultz, known as “Bookmaker 3” in the criminal complaint against Mizuhara, is said to have placed bets on baseball, including Angels games in which Fletcher played. It is important to note that placing bets with illegal bookmakers is strictly forbidden by MLB, regardless of the sport, and can result in severe punishments at the discretion of the commissioner.
**MLB’s expected investigation into David Fletcher**
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ESPN has indicated that MLB is likely to launch an investigation into David Fletcher’s alleged involvement in the illegal gambling operation. This could have serious consequences for Fletcher’s career and reputation, as well as potentially impacting his future in professional baseball.
**Fletcher’s previous connection to the Mizuhara investigation**
David Fletcher had previously been linked to the investigation of Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter, after confirming his presence at a poker game in 2021 that kickstarted the $17 million bank fraud scandal involving Mizuhara and Bowyer. While Fletcher denied introducing Bowyer to Mizuhara, he admitted to knowing the bookie through a mutual acquaintance and playing golf with him before the poker game.
**Fletcher’s career and tenure with the Angels**
During his time with the Los Angeles Angels, David Fletcher signed a lucrative five-year, $26 million contract extension in 2021. Known for his strong contact skills and defensive versatility, Fletcher’s performance declined after signing the extension, leading to his eventual trade to the Atlanta Braves in December. Despite his success in the past, Fletcher has spent most of the current season in the minors with Gwinnett.
**Ohtani’s minimal involvement in the scandal**
While the revelation of Fletcher’s alleged involvement in the illegal gambling operation may raise eyebrows, it does not significantly alter the perception of Shohei Ohtani’s role in the scandal. The federal criminal complaint against Mizuhara clearly identifies Ohtani as a victim of the fraud scheme, with no evidence of illegal gambling between him and Mizuhara found on his phone.
**The implications for the Los Angeles Angels**
The news of David Fletcher’s alleged involvement in the illegal gambling operation may prompt uncomfortable questions for the Los Angeles Angels organization, especially in light of previous scandals involving illegal activities within the team. With Fletcher’s connection to Bowyer now coming to light, the Angels may face scrutiny over the environment within their organization and the potential impact on their players’ conduct.
In conclusion, the unfolding details of the illegal gambling operation involving David Fletcher, Shohei Ohtani, and Ippei Mizuhara continue to reveal new layers of complexity and potential consequences for those involved. As MLB prepares to investigate Fletcher’s alleged actions, the broader implications of this scandal on professional baseball and the individuals implicated remain to be seen..
– David Fletcher former Shohei Ohtani teammate
– Ippei Mizuhara same bookie as David Fletcher.
