Major League Baseball is encouraging its players to show more personality on the field, but a recent incident involving Shohei Ohtani has sparked controversy. During a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, Ohtani stole second base and then made a questionable gesture that appeared to be lewd. While some viewers interpreted it as Ohtani shaking dirt off his glove, others saw it differently, leading to a social media frenzy.
Despite the clear footage of the incident during the broadcast, ESPN chose not to address it, but that didn't stop fans and media outlets from discussing it. The clip was widely shared online, with reactions ranging from jokes to criticism, including a strong statement from former MVP Jose Canseco.
Ohtani, a standout player for the Dodgers, is currently in the first year of a lucrative 10-year, $700 million contract. Although he will not be pitching in 2024 due to elbow surgery, his performance at the plate has been exceptional, earning him a spot in the MLB All-Star Game and putting him in the running for another MVP award.
However, Ohtani's time with the Dodgers has not been without controversy. His former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was involved in a scandal where he allegedly embezzled $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to fraud charges, and Ohtani has denied any involvement in the illegal activities. The Dodgers took action by terminating Mizuhara's employment during spring training.
Despite these challenges, Ohtani remains focused on his career and continues to excel on the field. He has reiterated his commitment to the game and his integrity, emphasizing that he has never engaged in any form of sports betting. As Ohtani navigates these off-field distractions, his dedication to the sport and his impressive performance on the field continue to capture the attention of fans and the baseball world.
