On March 25, Ohtani made his first public comments on
the matter, saying that he had been betrayed and lied to,
while denying any involvement in gambling.
Iâm very saddened and
shocked that someone
who I trusted has done this, Shohei Ohtani, via NBC.
Ippei has been stealing
money from my account
and has told lies, Shohei Ohtani, via NBC.
NBC reports that Mizuhara is both Ohtani's
interpreter and long-time friend who has had
a constant presence beside the baseball phenom.
The scandal, involving over $4.5 million in wire transfers
from Ohtani's account, was brought to light
following reports by ESPN and the 'Los Angeles Times.'
Shohei Ohtaniâs Interpreter Fired , Amid Allegations of âMassive Theftâ.
Ippei Mizuhara, the Dodgers' interpreter for Ohtani, was fired on March 20, ESPN reports. .
Ippei Mizuhara, the Dodgers' interpreter for Ohtani, was fired on March 20, ESPN reports. .
Mizuhara, a longtime friend of Ohtani, allegedly wired at least $4.5 million to a bookmaking operation in Southern
California to cover his gambling debts.
At first, a spokesman for Ohtani and Mizuhara
said that the baseball star purposefully transferred the funds to pay his friend's gambling debt.
At first, a spokesman for Ohtani and Mizuhara
said that the baseball star purposefully transferred the funds to pay his friend's gambling debt.
I dug myself a hole and it kept on
getting bigger, and it meant I had to
bet bigger to get out of it and just kept
on losing. It's like a snowball effect, Ippei Mizuhara, to ESPN.
Obviously, he [Ohtani] wasn't happy
about it and said he would help me
out to make sure I never do this again.
He decided to pay it off for me. , Ippei Mizuhara, to ESPN.
I want everyone to know Shohei had
zero involvement in betting. I want people
to know I did not know this was illegal.
I learned my lesson the hard way.
I will never do sports betting ever again, Ippei Mizuhara, to ESPN.
Later, both the spokesperson and
Mizuhara walked back their claims.
In the course of responding to
recent media inquiries, we discovered
that Shohei has been the victim of a
massive theft, and we are turning
the matter over to the authorities, Berk Brettler LLP, via statement.
Obviously, this is all my fault,
everything I've done. I'm ready
to face all the consequences, Ippei Mizuhara, via statement.
Southern California bookmaker
Mathew Bowyer, whom the wire transfers
were sent to, is also being investigated.
Sports betting is currently illegal in California
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Law Enforcement Hiring , Increased in 2023 , Following Years of Decline.
NBC reports that police departments in the United States
have seen their first increase in ranks, changing course
on a historic exodus of officers in recent years.
According to a recent survey,
2023 saw more officers sworn in
than any of the previous four years. .
At the same time, the survey by the Police Executive
Research Forum (PERF) also found that fewer law
enforcement officers resigned or retired in 2023. .
Law enforcement numbers had been declining following
the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against
police brutality following the death of George Floyd. .
Law enforcement numbers had been declining following
the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against
police brutality following the death of George Floyd. .
I just think that the past four
years have been particularly
challenging for American policing.
And our survey shows weâre
finally starting to turn a corner, Chuck Wexler, Executive director of PERF, via NBC.
NBC reports that declining numbers left
many police departments with a shortage of
officers, which resulted in slower response times.
Chuck Wexler, executive director of PERF, warns that many police departments are still struggling to recruit and retain officers.
According to Wexler, law enforcement , "isn't out of the woods yet.".
At least a dozen smaller police departments in
the nation have been forced to disband, leaving those
municipalities reliant upon state or county police forces.
NBC reports that in addition to increased pay and
benefits, many police departments have chosen to
change application requirements to increase hiring
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Elon Musk , Loses Appeal of , 'Twitter Sitter' Provision .
On April 29, the Supreme Court denied billionaire
Elon Musk's challenge to the terms of a Securities
and Exchange Commission agreement. .
On April 29, the Supreme Court denied billionaire
Elon Musk's challenge to the terms of a Securities
and Exchange Commission agreement. .
NBC reports that the SEC requirement
would require a lawyer to review
the Tesla CEO's social media posts. .
In his appeal, Musk argued that the SEC's requirement,
which has been dubbed the 'Twitter sitter' provision,
unlawfully imposed conditions on his freedom to comment. .
In his appeal, Musk argued that the SEC's requirement,
which has been dubbed the 'Twitter sitter' provision,
unlawfully imposed conditions on his freedom to comment. .
The SEC requirement stems from Musk's tweets in 2018 that
claimed he was taking Tesla private, which shocked the
market and caused shares in the company to surge.
The SEC requirement stems from Musk's tweets in 2018 that
claimed he was taking Tesla private, which shocked the
market and caused shares in the company to surge.
The SEC deemed the tweets
"materially false and misleading,"
and in clear violation of securities laws.
At the time, Musk agreed to settle the issue
with the SEC, which included his signing off
on the so-called "Twitter sitter" provision.
NBC reports that Musk has since said
the restrictions are unconstitutional and that
he was coerced into signing the SEC agreement.
According to court papers, lawyers
representing Musk have accused the SEC
of waging an "ongoing campaign" against Musk.
Musk's legal team claim the provision , "restricts Mr. Muskâs speech even
when truthful and accurate.".
It extends to speech not
covered by the securities laws
and with no relation to the conduct
underlying the SECâs civil action, Elon Musk legal team, via NBC.
In response, the SEC said in court papers
that Musk waived his right to appeal
when he signed off on the settlement.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
'Law & Order: Organized Crime' is coming back! But it's moving from NBC to Peacock. Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Peacock is putting the finishing touches on a deal that would see the series starring Christopher Meloni move from NBC to the streaming service for a fifth season consisting of 10 episodes. Reps for Peacock, NBC, producers Universal Television and executive producer Dick Wolf declined to comment as a deal has yet to officially close.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:17Published
Sabrina Impacciatore of 'The White Lotus' and Domhnall Gleeson from 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' have been cast in the new take on the beloved NBC Steve Carell-led comedy 'The Office.'
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:08Published
Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants.
Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants.
NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark
Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion
in federal grants for residential solar projects.
NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark
Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion
in federal grants for residential solar projects.
The grants will bring solar energy
to over 900,000 households in both
low- and middle-income communities. .
According to senior administration officials, the
projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions
by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. .
According to senior administration officials, the
projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions
by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. .
NBC reports that solar power has gained
traction as a clean energy source that could
help reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
However, the high cost of initial installation
makes solar energy inaccessible
for many households in the U.S.
However, the high cost of initial installation
makes solar energy inaccessible
for many households in the U.S.
49 of the new grants will be awarded at
the state level, six more will serve Native American
tribes and another five are multi-state awards.
The grants will be used for renewable
investments that include rooftop solar
and community solar gardens. .
The grants will be used for renewable
investments that include rooftop solar
and community solar gardens. .
Officials say that the latest environmental
announcements are part of an effort to energize
young voters ahead of his upcoming reelection campaign.
Biden also reportedly plans to expand the
American Climate Corps green jobs training program,
which was created last year by executive action. .
Biden also reportedly plans to expand the
American Climate Corps green jobs training program,
which was created last year by executive action. .
The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across
36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance
to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda. .
The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across
36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance
to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Watch as commentators at the Washinton Nationals v Los Angeles Dodgers game were joined in the commentary box by a furry friend, Pablo the dog. BBC Sport
This Day in History:, Jackie Robinson Breaks Color Barrier.
April 15, 1947.
The 28-year-old baseball player
became the first African American
to play for Major League Baseball.
The Georgia native stepped onto the grass
of Ebbots Field in Brooklyn as a Brooklyn Dodger.
Two years later,
the star infielder was named the
National League's MVP as well as a batting champ.
He led his team to six National League
pennants and the World Series in 1955.
Robinson was subjected
to the racism of both players and
baseball fans throughout his career.
Jim Crow laws forced him to dine
at different restaurants and stay at
different hotels than the rest of his team.
Robinson was inducted into
the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
His number, 42, was the the first to be retired in 1997
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:58Published
Watch as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto catches a ball travelling at 104mph during their 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals. BBC Sport
Harvey Weinsteinâs Rape Conviction , Is Overturned.
New York's Court of Appeals
overturned the movie mogul's 2020 rape conviction by a vote of 4-3 on April 25.
According to the appeals court, trial judge James Burke "prejudiced Weinstein with 'egregious' improper rulings," AP reports. .
For example, he let women bring forth allegations against Weinstein that he wasn't charged with.
The action was an "abuse of judicial discretion," the appeals court said. .
Without question, this is appalling,
shameful, repulsive conduct that
could only diminish defendantâs
character before the jury, New York's Court of Appeals, via AP.
Although this conviction has been overturned, the 72-year-old will remain in prison due to a separate 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles.
His lawyers have chosen to
appeal that conviction as well. .
Jennifer Bonjean, who helped free Bill Cosby from
prison, issued a statement about the development.
Jennifer Bonjean, who helped free Bill Cosby from
prison, issued a statement about the development.
A jury was told in California that
he was convicted in another
state for rape ... turns out he
shouldnât have been convicted
and it wasnât a fair conviction⊠, Jennifer Bonjean, Harvey Weinstein's attorney, via AP.
It interfered with his
presumption of innocence in
a significant way in California, Jennifer Bonjean, Harvey Weinstein's attorney, via AP.
On April 25, prosecutors said that "the legal issues identified by the New York Court of Appeal are
not present in the Los Angeles County Case.".
The Manhattan district attorney's office
said they will "do everything in our power to
retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Chris Pine's got the California surfer look down ... a style he seemingly raided from the set of his new movie "Poolman," and seems comfortable keeping long.. TMZ.com
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, âincluding non-participating
bystanders during last weekâs protests.â.
Googleâs aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, âevery single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.â
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
California was definitely hit with a few good April showers this year ... but as the warmer weather washes over the West Coast, we are bubbling up some of.. TMZ.com
Seth MacFarlane says he doesn't have plans to end 'Family Guy' anytime soon. The beloved animated series is currently in its 22nd season. As for the future of the show, creator and star MacFarlane told the 'Los Angeles Times' in a new profile celebrating 25 years since the show initially aired, "At this point, I donât see a good reason to stop."
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:14Published
It apparently didn't take long for Jason Kelce to find work in retirement -- the Philadelphia Eagles great is reportedly joining ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown".. TMZ.com
Caitlin Clark Selected No. 1 Overall , by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA Draft.
The WNBA draft took place on April 15
at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The WNBA draft took place on April 15
at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Clark, the record-breaking NCAA star who's amplified interest in women's basketball, is headed to play with Indiana, ESPN reports. .
Clark, the record-breaking NCAA star who's amplified interest in women's basketball, is headed to play with Indiana, ESPN reports. .
I dreamed of this moment since I was in
second grade, and it's taken a lot of hard
work, a lot of ups and downs, but more
than anything, just trying to soak it in, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
The last time that the Fever won a
WNBA title was in 2012, ESPN reports. .
The last time that the Fever won a
WNBA title was in 2012, ESPN reports. .
But Clark is determined to help the team
"get back to championship habits." .
I'm very lucky to be going there
to an organization that really
loves women's basketball, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
You see it today, I think they had 17,000
tickets claimed to just watch the draft.
I think that shows the excitement in
Indianapolis. It's a great basketball city, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
For myself, I can't imagine a more perfect
fit, a better place for me to start my
professional career, an organization that
really just believes in women's basketball
and wants to do everything the right way. , Caitlin Clark, via statement.
So I couldn't be more
excited to get there, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
Other top WNBA picks include
Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson,
who are headed to the Los Angeles Sparks.
Other top WNBA picks include
Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson,
who are headed to the Los Angeles Sparks.
and Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese,
who will play with the Chicago Sky.
and Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese,
who will play with the Chicago Sky
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
OJ Simpson , Dead at 76.
The football star and actor who was acquitted of murder charges in the '90s has died after battling prostate cancer, ESPN reports. .
His family took to X on April 10
to share the news of his death. .
On April 10th, our father,
Orenthal James Simpson,
succumbed to his battle with cancer. , O.J. Simpson's family, via X.
He was surrounded by his
children and grandchildren. , O.J. Simpson's family, via X.
During this time of transition, his family
asks that you please respect their
wishes for privacy and grace, O.J. Simpson's family, via X.
Simpson played in the NFL for 11 seasons, nine of which were with the Buffalo Bills.
But his football career was overshadowed by the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown,
and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in 1994.
But his football career was overshadowed by the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown,
and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in 1994.
Simpson, a murder suspect at the time, famously led L.A. police on a low-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco driven by Al Cowlings.
About 95 million people tuned
in to watch the televised chase.
About 95 million people tuned
in to watch the televised chase.
In 1995, Simpson was found not guilty of murder, but in 1997, he was found liable for the two deaths and was ordered to pay the victims' family members $33.5 million.
At the age of 61, Simpson was imprisoned
for armed robbery and other felonies. .
He served a nine-year sentence.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Caitlin Clark , Has No Regrets , Following Loss
to South Carolina.
Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes lost 87-75
to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship game on April 7.
Even though the Hawkeyes lost in the finals both
this year to South Carolina and last year to LSU, .
Iowa had only made it to the Final Four
one other time in 1993, ESPN reports. .
Iowa had only made it to the Final Four
one other time in 1993, ESPN reports. .
When I reflect back on my
[Iowa] career, I know I gave
it every single thing I had, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
Basically, everybody believed
there's no way Iowa was making
the Final Four once. But to do it
twice? That's pretty incredible, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
Clark also said that she has no regrets
about how her college career ended. .
Clark also said that she has no regrets
about how her college career ended. .
Whether it's the way the fans have
supported me, the way I've been able
to represent my state where I grew up,
my family being at every single game -- , Caitlin Clark, via statement.
... there's not a regret in my
mind of how things went, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
I'll be able to sleep every night
even though I never won a
national championship, Caitlin Clark, via statement.
Clark leaves Iowa as one of the
best players in NCAA history.
Clark leaves Iowa as one of the
best players in NCAA history.
She had 3,951 points, 1,144 assists and 990 rebounds throughout the course of her college career.
Clark has her eyes set on the WNBA next. She's expected to be the No. 1 draft pick by the Indiana Fever on April 15, ESPN reports. .
Clark has her eyes set on the WNBA next. She's expected to be the No. 1 draft pick by the Indiana Fever on April 15, ESPN reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published