Ippei Mizuhara, the former MLB interpreter for superstar Shohei Ohtani, seems to have landed a new job, as paparazzi in LA have followed him around doing Uber Eats deliveries, per the New York Post.
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Ippei has just recently pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges for stealing from his one-time friend and work partner Ohtani, in order to pay off sports gambling debts.
In particular, the 39-year-old Japanese translator reportedly stole $17 million from Ohtani's bank account, which led him to being fired, and having to find a new career. Evidently, the next chapter of Ippei's life is being a food delivery driver.
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara delivering Uber Eats after fraud scandal https://t.co/yZTCdVcIS5 pic.twitter.com/ZjiMCdyFPP
— New York Post (@nypost) June 6, 2024
One of the court-ordered release requirements from Judge Maria Audero, was that Mizuhara must seek employment and remain employed. With this in mind, Ippei seemingly wanted to be his own boss, and set his own hours, by being a gig economy worker.
That is to say, also he probably doesn't really have a choice, as most employers aren't really looking to hire convicted felons with a history of theft.
About the only other job Ippei could be qualified for is working at a bilingual call center or a representative at DraftKings.
All jokes aside, he undoubtedly has been humbled by this scandal, as Ippei lost his dream job, his friend, and his reputation over a gambling addiction.
Ippei reportedly won a total of $142.3 million dollars sports betting, but also lost $182.9 million, to give him a net negative $40.7 million dollar gambling debt.
Hopefully his Uber eats career goes better than his gambling did. All in all, the customers are just hoping that Ippei doesn't steal their food.
On a serious note, Ippei in all likelihood will have to put his food delivery job on hold for awhile, as he may be going to jail soon. The Hokkaido, Japan native is currently facing a maximum sentence of up to 33 years in U.S. prison, in which he will have to wait until October 25 for sentencing.
Related: Tim Donaghy Believes Shohei Ohtani Was Involved In His Translator's Sports Betting Scandal
