"Allowed people to believe Ohtani was a client" - MLB reporter says bookie Mathew Bowyer used Shohei Ohtani's name to boost business

The Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara betting scandal has been in the headlines since Wednesday. Many have questioned the $700 million Dodgers star's involvement in the scandal. As per the latest reports, bookie Mathew Bowyer used Ohtani's name for his own gain.

According to ESPN's Tisha Thompson, Bowyer knew the two-way phenom's name was on the $4.5 million wire transfers he received from his account.

However, Bowyer reportedly didn't do much to dispose of the idea that Ohtani was making the bets and not his interpreter, as having the three-time All-Star's name associated with him boosted his business.

"A source said Bowyer was aware of the name on the wire transfers but chose not to ask any questions as long as payments came in; however, the source said Bowyer allowed people to believe Ohtani was a client in order to boost business,” Thompson reported.

Mizuhara was fired by the LA Dodgers last Wednesday after the news of the scandal first broke. The IRS has opened a criminal investigation into Ohtani's former interpreter and close friend. MLB has also started its own investigation into this scandal.

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Shohei Ohtani accuses former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara of stealing money from him and paying bookie Mathew Bowyer

Ohtani has denied involvement in Ippei Mizuhara's betting scandal and blamed his former interpreter for stealing money from his bank account. On Monday, Ohtani spoke to the media for the first time after the scandal came to light.

Ohtani said he was hurt by Mizuhara's actions, given the kind of bond they shared.

“Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies. On a personal note. I’m very sad and shocked that someone who I’ve trusted has done this.”

Right after the news of this scandal came out, Ohtani's camp said that wire transfers made from his account to the bookie were to help the interpreter get out of his huge gambling debts.

However, the player's camp later changed its statement and said that Ohtani had no knowledge of the transactions and was in fact a victim of a $4.5 million theft.