MLB infielder David Fletcher, currently with the Atlanta Braves organization, reportedly placed bets on sports through the same bookmaker as Shohei Ohtani’s former trainer, Ippei Mizuhara. Fletcher was previously a teammate of Ohtani’s on the Los Angeles Angels before both players left the team following the 2023 season. While Fletcher did bet on sports through bookie Matthew Bowyer, he did not place any bets on baseball. However, a friend of Fletcher’s, Colby Schultz, reportedly made bets on baseball games, including Angels games during Fletcher’s time with the team. MLB, the Braves, Fletcher, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California all declined to comment on the situation.
It is noted that MLB players and employees are allowed to bet on sports other than baseball, but there are strict rules regarding illegal bookmakers. Players who bet on baseball games they did not participate in could face a year-long suspension, while those who bet on games they were involved in could be permanently banned from the sport. Ohtani himself was previously involved in a betting scandal when his former interpreter was accused of stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off debts. Mizuhara, the former trainer, pleaded not guilty in federal court and is facing charges related to the alleged theft from Ohtani.
Fletcher had previously mentioned that he and Ohtani were “good friends,” indicating a personal relationship between the two players. Ohtani went on to sign a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers after leaving the Angels, while Fletcher joined the Braves organization and later moved to their Triple-A affiliate. The details of the betting scandal involving Fletcher, his friend Schultz, and Ohtani’s former trainer have sparked controversy and raised questions about the integrity of sports betting within the MLB.
Despite the revelations surrounding Fletcher and the betting scandal, there has been no official comment from MLB, the Braves, or the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the matter. Schultz, the friend who reportedly placed bets on baseball games, did not immediately respond to inquiries from the media. The investigation into the situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Fletcher and others involved may face as a result of their actions. The connection between Fletcher, Ohtani, and Mizuhara in this betting scandal adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex and controversial situation within professional sports.
As the investigation continues and more details are revealed, the implications of Fletcher’s involvement in the betting scandal could have far-reaching consequences for his career and reputation. The rules and regulations surrounding sports betting in professional baseball are strict, and any violation of these rules could result in severe penalties for those involved. The fallout from this scandal has drawn attention to the issue of integrity in sports betting and the importance of upholding ethical standards within the industry. As Fletcher and others implicated in the scandal await potential repercussions, the baseball community awaits further developments in what has become a high-profile and controversial case within the MLB.
