• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Want a chance to win $250? Take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us improve with your feedback! Take the Survey

Grading Ohtani’s Explanation: ‘I Would Give It an A’

  • The Dodgers star finally addressed the bombshell sports betting scandal.
  • A crisis management expert gives his reaction to Front Office Sports.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There are still plenty of questions surrounding Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani after he finally spoke about the ongoing betting scandal involving his former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, on Monday afternoon. But the first step of addressing the elephant in the room is out of the way, and Mike Paul, a public relations and reputation management consultant, joined the Front Office Sports Today podcast to break down his takeaways from Ohtani’s press conference.

Here are some of Paul’s biggest thoughts on Ohtani’s strategy:

  • Rapid reaction: “If I had to grade this press conference, this controlled press conference, without knowing the details of it being an alleged crime, I would have given it a lower grade. But because we know that it is an alleged crime, a very serious crime, I would give it an A.”
  • The reach of Ohtani: “He’s a global figure. The story’s gonna be even bigger [abroad] than it is here, I predict. And it’s important for the legal team, as well as the public relations and branding teams, to keep on top of every twist and turn.”
  • What’s the truth? “Ohtani said that when [Mizuhara] was asked the question to explain what had happened, he didn’t translate that for him. I find that fascinating. It’s the reason why we had two different answers. One that was from the translator and now one that’s from him. The truth versus the lies. And someone manipulating and taking advantage of your inability to speak English to communicate one message to some and another to you.”
  • How did this happen? “If [Mizuhara] was properly vetted, someone would have learned that he likes to gamble. And that obviously did not come up, at least from what we know today, in any vetting of any kind.”

🎧 Listen to the full episode here and subscribe on Apple, Google, and Spotify

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rays to Call Yankee Territory ‘Home’ for 2025 Due to Tropicana Repairs

Extensive damage from Hurricane Milton to Tropicana Field forces the unusual solution.

DSG to Emerge From Bankruptcy: New Game Plan, MLB Deals in Place

The regional sports network operator gains court approval to emerge from Chapter 11 protection.

MLB Withdraws Objection, Clearing DSG’s Path Out of Bankruptcy

The swift reversal will likely aid confirmation of the RSN operator’s reorganization plan.

DSG Introduces NBA, NHL Single-Game Streaming Despite Bankruptcy

The regional sports network operator introduces single-game view options for its NBA and NHL teams.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Will Drew Brees Return to Broadcasting?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
DraftKings

DraftKings Lowers Full-Year Guidance After Brutal NFL Outcomes

DraftKings cited a tough start to the fourth quarter in lowering its 2024 guidance.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 6, 2024

Missouri Becomes 39th State to Legalize Sports Gambling

Missouri was the only state with sports gambling on its ballot this election cycle.
Sports betting Analyst Steve Coughlin gives out high-fives on the set of ESPN's College Game Day at the University of Texas, ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024.
November 7, 2024

ESPN Bet at Critical Point As Penn Reports Quarterly Earnings

The two sides agreed to a 10-year deal last August.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 5, 2024

On the Ballot: Sports Betting, Former Athletes Impacting the 2024 Election

Several U.S. Senate candidates have sports backgrounds, while Missouri voters will consider legalizing sports betting.
Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump rally.
November 4, 2024

Sports Betting Companies Holding Comic at Arm’s Length After Trump Rally

Hinchcliffe drew criticism over his comments at a rally for Trump.
November 1, 2024

Polymarket Is Pushing Into Sports Betting

Once the ballots are counted, Polymarket needs to take on sports.
October 29, 2024

Parent of Action Network, Playmaker HQ Cuts More Than 100 Jobs

Better Collective laid off dozens of employees this week.