Colby Schultz : David Fletcher, Ex-Teammate, Bets with Mizuhara’s Bookie

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. David Fletcher betting scandal
2. Shohei Ohtani teammate gambling controversy

The scandal involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara includes one of Ohtani’s teammates, David Fletcher, placing bets with bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. Colby Schultz, a friend of Fletcher’s, was also reportedly involved in placing bets on baseball games, including Angels games. MLB prohibits betting with illegal bookmakers, with potential punishments from the commissioner. Fletcher, who signed a contract extension with the Angels in 2021, was traded to the Braves in December. While Ohtani’s minimal involvement in the scandal remains unchanged, Fletcher’s connection to illegal gambling raises questions about the Angels’ internal issues, following a previous illegal drug ring scandal.

The illegal gambling operation involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara has taken a new turn with revelations that one of Ohtani’s former teammates, David Fletcher, is also connected to the scandal. Fletcher, who played alongside Ohtani on the Los Angeles Angels before moving on to the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett, reportedly placed bets with bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, according to ESPN.

Fletcher’s close friend, former Kansas City Royals minor leaguer Colby Schultz, was also allegedly involved in the illegal gambling ring. Schultz, known as “Bookmaker 3” in the criminal complaint against Mizuhara, placed bets on baseball games, including ones in which Fletcher played. MLB prohibits players from placing bets with illegal bookmakers, regardless of the sport, with punishments left to the discretion of the commissioner.

With these new revelations, MLB is expected to launch an investigation into Fletcher’s involvement in the illegal gambling operation. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.

**David Fletcher’s Connection to the Mizuhara Investigation**

David Fletcher had already been linked to the investigation surrounding Ippei Mizuhara before his involvement in the illegal gambling operation came to light. In March, Fletcher confirmed to ESPN that he was present at a poker game in 2021 at the Angels’ team hotel in San Diego where Mizuhara met Bowyer, setting off a chain of events that led to a $17 million bank fraud scandal.

Fletcher clarified that he did not introduce Bowyer to Mizuhara, but the bookie gained access to the team hotel through an acquaintance. He also admitted to knowing Bowyer’s bookmaking activities when they first met while playing golf. Fletcher’s tenure with the Angels coincided with Ohtani’s, and he was known to be one of Ohtani’s closest friends on the team.

**Fletcher’s Career and Recent Trade**

Fletcher signed a lucrative five-year, $26 million contract extension with the Angels in 2021, based on his reputation for strong contact skills and defensive versatility. However, his performance declined after signing the extension, posting subpar numbers over the following seasons. In December, the Angels traded Fletcher and catcher Max Stassi to the Braves in exchange for minor leaguers Evan White and Tyler Thomas, effectively moving his contract off their books.

Since the trade, Fletcher has spent most of the 2024 season in the minors with Gwinnett, appearing in only a handful of games for the Braves. This recent trade and subsequent demotion to the minors have raised questions about Fletcher’s future in professional baseball.

**Ohtani’s Minimal Involvement in the Scandal**

Despite Fletcher’s connection to the illegal gambling operation, Shohei Ohtani’s involvement in the scandal still appears minimal. The federal criminal complaint against Mizuhara explicitly states that Ohtani is considered a victim in the case, with no evidence of illegal gambling between him and Mizuhara found on Ohtani’s phone during a search by federal agents.

While Fletcher’s involvement sheds light on how Bowyer became associated with Mizuhara, it does not significantly alter the narrative surrounding Ohtani’s role in the scandal. The focus remains on Mizuhara’s actions and the consequences of his criminal activities.

In conclusion, the addition of David Fletcher’s name to the illegal gambling operation involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara adds a new layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation. MLB’s impending investigation into Fletcher’s activities will likely shed more light on the extent of his involvement and could have repercussions for both Fletcher and the Atlanta Braves.