Trevor Bauer Questions MLB's Double Standard After Shohei Ohtani Cleared in Gambling Scandal

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has expressed frustration with Major League Baseball's decision to clear Shohei Ohtani of any wrongdoing in a gambling scandal while he remains suspended over sexual assault allegations.

Major League Baseball's decision to clear Shohei Ohtani of any wrongdoing in a gambling scandal has sparked controversy, with former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer questioning the league's double standard.

Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, pleaded guilty to numerous charges on Tuesday and faces 33 years in prison after allegedly stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts. MLB ruled that Ohtani was a victim of fraud and will not be punished.

Bauer, who has not played in the majors since 2021 amid several sexual assault allegations, has maintained his innocence, settling with one accuser while another has since been charged with fraud. He has been outspoken about his belief that he is being unfairly punished by MLB.

In a social media post, Bauer referred to Ohtani's situation and asked why he is not allowed to return to playing given the similarities in their cases.

"What about my case, where I also was never charged with anything, and where I’m also the victim of fraud? Why am I not allowed to go back to playing?" Bauer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Bauer was referencing Darcy Adanna Esemonu, who was charged with felony fraud theft by extortion in Arizona in March after "knowingly [obtaining] a benefit from" the pitcher and another man. Esemonu allegedly told Bauer she had been impregnated by him and asked him for money for an abortion but was never pregnant and is facing 16 years in prison.

Bauer was suspended 324 games for violating the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. His suspension was reduced to 194 games, representing the time he missed in 2021 while on administrative leave and the entirety of the 2022 season, but he was still released by the Dodgers before the 2023 season began.

Bauer and Lindsey Hill, who accused the pitcher of beating and sexually abusing her in 2021, settled their case late last year. Bauer revealed texts from Hill, who said Bauer would be her "next victim," among other damning messages. Hill has since said MLB has more evidence of Bauer's alleged misconduct.

After being named an All-Star in Japan this year, Bauer has been dominant this season in Mexico, where he has a 1.53 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 13.4 K/9 in eight starts.

Bauer's comments have reignited the debate about MLB's handling of domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Some have argued that the league is not doing enough to protect victims, while others have criticized the lack of due process for players who have been accused of misconduct.

It remains to be seen whether Bauer's appeal to MLB will be successful. However, his comments have certainly raised important questions about the league's disciplinary policies and the standards of evidence required to convict players of off-field misconduct.