Ohtani is a victim.
Ohtani knew nothing about the interpreters (Ippei Mizuhara) gambling habit or that the interpreter stole over a million dollars from his bank account through a wire transfer over a period of time to pay off the debt.

Ohtani is a friend.
Ohtani paid off he's friend's (Ippei Mizuhara) debt to help him out of a jam after he found out how deep his interpreter got involved with a bookie and now, he regrets it for all the publicity.

Ohtani knew something.
Ohtani knew about the interpreter's (Ippei Mizuhara) gambling habit or that he knew something about it while it was happening.

Ohtani will be exonerated of everything once an investigation is completed.

Make your own conclusion.

Wait for the investigation to be completed before making any judgment! (This would be the BEST option)

Notes:

"Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, attend a news conference ahead of a workout in Korea this week. Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star." The Boston Globe

"The order of events isn’t crystal clear, but what is evident is that on Tuesday, Ohtani’s camp said the player was helping Mizuhara with his gambling debts, and on Wednesday, the same people said someone had stolen money from Ohtani." The Boston Globe

Sports betting is still illegal in California. Mizuhara allegedly racked up gambling debts with a Southern California bookmaking operation that is under federal investigation, according to ESPN.

With whom were bets allegedly placed?
Federal investigators are examining an operation run by Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. The payments in Ohtani’s name were reportedly sent from Ohtani’s account to an associate of Bowyer’s. ESPN reports multiple sources — including Mizuhara — said Ohtani does not gamble.

ESPN reviewed bank information showing Ohtani’s name on two $500,000 payments sent in September and October.

Per ESPN, Mizuhara began gambling with Bowyer in 2021, and Mizuhara thought it was legal. Bowyer’s lawyer told ESPN that Bowyer never met or spoke to Ohtani, and Mizuhara said he has never bet on baseball.

Bowyer, 48, could be facing potential felony charges.