Pete Rose reflects on his time in MLB and expresses a wish for having someone like Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter amidst ongoing controversy.
The baseball world has been buzzing with the saga involving Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was fired by the LA Dodgers over allegations of embezzlement to cover gambling debts.
Amidst Ohtani’s free agency and subsequent signing with the Dodgers, the spotlight has shifted to off-field drama surrounding Mizuhara’s dismissal following reports of financial misconduct against Ohtani.
An investigation was launched by MLB on March 22nd, prompting Ohtani to address the media for the first time, denying any involvement in sports betting:
“I have never bet on sports, and I have never asked anyone to do so on my behalf. I have never placed wagers through a bookmaker.”
These events draw parallels to Pete Rose, a Cincinnati native and Reds Hall of Famer, who faced his own gambling scandal and remains banned from baseball.
Rose shared his perspective on the issue, hinting at the irony of not having an interpreter to deflect scrutiny during his era:
“Back in the 70s and 80s, I wish I had an interpreter. I’d be scott-free,” Pete Rose said.
Recently, comedian Jimmy Kimmel made light of the connection between Pete Rose and Ohtani in his talk show monologue, highlighting Rose’s past admission of betting on baseball being his sole regret.
In a 2019 podcast, Rose mentioned that his lifetime ban for gambling may have cost him around $100 million in lost earnings.
Pete Rose Imposes Self-Permanent Ban on MLB’s Ineligible List
In 1989, MLB banned Rose for betting on the Cincinnati Reds during his time as a player and manager, leading to his decision to accept a lifelong ban following an investigation by John Dowd.
Rose voluntarily acknowledged his place on baseball’s ineligible list, conceding the factual basis for the ban while reaching an agreement with MLB not to officially rule on the gambling accusations.
