In an effort to provide Shohei Ohtani with the support he needed to focus on his hitting and pitching abilities, CAA made a promise to provide him with a strong network of professionals. This support system included individuals such as bookkeepers, financial managers, accountants, sports marketing experts, and a lead agent. However, despite the infrastructure put in place by CAA, former longtime translator Ippei Mizuhara’s behavior was not accounted for. Lindsey Adler of the WALL STREET JOURNAL noted that Ohtani’s relationship with Mizuhara held significant power, as Mizuhara served as a liaison for Ohtani with his teammates, coaches, and the media. In addition to these roles, Mizuhara also acted as a spokesperson for Ohtani on matters related to CAA.
The criminal complaint filed against Mizuhara highlighted how Ohtani’s lead agent, Nez Balelo, often communicated with Ohtani through Mizuhara rather than directly. This reliance on Mizuhara by various parties ultimately compromised the protective fortress that CAA had built around Ohtani, showcasing the vulnerability that existed when one person held so much influence in the player’s inner circle.
In response to these revelations, CAA has taken steps to ensure that their clients have access to a strong support system that includes professionals who can handle various responsibilities. They have also made it clear that they will not tolerate any behavior from their clients or their representatives that compromises their safety or well-being.
In conclusion, while CAA put in place an impressive infrastructure to support Shohei Ohtani’s success on the field, it was not enough to account for the behavior of individuals like Ippei Mizuhara. However, CAA has learned from this experience and is now taking steps to ensure that their clients are protected at all times.