"Friend stole $17M and Shohei Ohtani didn't scowl" - Ex-Mets GM jokes Japanese superstar's unflappable character bagged $700M Dodgers contract

Shohei Ohtani's on-field demeanor has been a point of discussion ever since he made his MLB debut. The Japanese superstar hardly ever loses his temper. Media personnel often use it to both appreciate his manners while also at times criticizing his lack of excitement.

On TSN's Overdrive show, analyst Steve Phillips discussed how Ohtani has done a good job so far smiling his way through every obstacle in the MLB.

"Ohtani smiles all the time and it works for him. He's got $700 million by being a happy guy ... Well, he is throwing off the mound but he won't be pitching, but the dude's friend stole $17 million and he didn't scowl, so I don't know if he can do it, if that's not enough to scowl," Phillips said.

Earlier in the season, reports broke that Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was caught in a betting scandal. He reportedly stole money from Ohtani's bank account, to which he had access. Mizuhara later pleaded guilty to the crime and was subsequently sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Poker player pleads guilty in Ippei Mizuhara-Shohei Ohtani gambling case

Mathew Boyer was the chief bookie in the illegal gambling ring that involved Ippei Mizuhara. His close aide, and professional poker player, Damien Leforbes accepted his part in running the illegal network. Boyer had also pleaded guilty a few weeks back as both co-conspirators were under investigation by federal agencies.

Leforbes had reportedly put bets worth almost $148 million at a particular location, uncovered in the court's findings. The poker player used cryptocurrency to transfer money and very cleverly avoided any public transactions that could jeopardize his identity.

Meanwhile, his partner, Bowyer, had allegedly been operating the illegal bookie service since October 2023 and was in contact with at least 700 bettors.