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Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) is in a discussion to have a Test in Fiji on October 10 , 2025. This is to warm-up for the Pacific Bowl Championship. Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata confirmed the move. “That’s one thing we want to try and bring to Suva during the Fiji Day celebration,” he said. “We’re talking to two nations to see what we come up with.” Kativerata indicated some highlights for this year included the pre-season National Rugby League (NRL) match between Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on February 24 which was a success for FNRL. “We also hosted the Pacific Bowl Championship in Suva two months ago which was a good boost for the game. “We have got to start working really hard for the next three years in building a pathway as we got Papua New Guinea coming in,” Kativerata added. 2025 plans He added they are planning to build an academy for the under-14 to 18 grade next year in all parts of Fiji. “The under 19 to 23 is the Resident squad. “We are going to focus more on schools and islands including Vanua Levu to bring them up to come to Viti Levu,” Kativerata said. “We’re going to Tailevu North and Naitasiri as well. Something we need to go after are the players because 2028 is just around the corner and we want to set up a pathway system.” Kativerata said they aim to change the young players’ mindset. “It takes years to get to the top and that’s why we need to educate our young Fijian kids,” he said. Kativerata was hopeful that the Melbourne Storm will play more games in Fiji next year. Wakeham cleared Kativerata said that former West Tigers halfback Brandon Wakeham can still be include in the Fiji Bati squad. This is after Fox Sports reported that the alleged drug charges were dropped against the 25-year-old on November 12. Wakeham was arrested in May 15 near Brookvale Oval and charged with taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, greater than a large commercial quantity, taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, greater than an indictable and less than a commercial quantity and participating in a criminal group. “If he’s (Wakeham) playing good football in high class environment like reserve grade or NRL system then we’re going to consider that looking at what Wakeham bring to the table,” he said. “Next year is important that we put a core player for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup so we’re going to work in a combination that stays leading towards the World Cup.” Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fjDejounte Murray is rejoining the Pelicans vs. Toronto and drawing inspiration from his mother
New coach Chris Holtmann has been tasked with rebuilding DePaul to the point where it can return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. Northern Illinois coach Rashon Burno knows what it takes to steer DePaul to the NCAAs because he was the starting point guard on the 2000 team that made the tournament -- the Blue Demons' only other NCAA appearance since 1992. Perhaps they can compare notes Saturday afternoon when Burno leads the Huskies (2-3) back to his alma mater as DePaul (5-0) hosts its sixth straight home game in Chicago. Last season, Burno's NIU squad helped accelerate DePaul's need for a new coach -- as the Huskies waltzed into Wintrust Arena and owned Tony Stubblefield's Blue Demons by an 89-79 score on Nov. 25. The Huskies built a 24-point second-half lead before coasting to the finish line. Can history repeat for NIU? There's just one problem with using last year's game as a potential barometer for Saturday's rematch: Almost no players on this year's teams were part of last year's squads. At DePaul, only assistant coach Paris Parham remains as Holtmann had the green light to bring in an all-new roster. UIC graduate transfer Isaiah Rivera (16.0 ppg, .485 3-point rate) and Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer (15.4 ppg, .406 on 3s) lead a balanced attack that focuses on getting half its shots from beyond the arc. At NIU, Burno retained only two players who competed against DePaul last year -- Ethan Butler and Oluwasegun Durosinmi -- and they combined for three points in 26 minutes in that game. The Huskies' main players used the transfer portal to join such programs as Kansas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Colorado State, James Madison, Georgia State and Niagara. With every starting job open, Butler has jumped into the lineup and produced 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Transfers Quentin Jones (Cal Poly) and James Dent (Western Illinois) pace the Huskies with 14.4 and 14.0 points per game. NIU is on a two-game losing streak, most recently a 75-48 home defeat at the hands of Elon on Wednesday. Holtmann hopes to have Arkansas transfer Layden Blocker for Saturday's game. Blocker missed Tuesday's 78-69 win over Eastern Illinois with a quad injury. With the combo guard unavailable, point guard Conor Enright handed out a career-high 11 assists in a season-high 38 minutes. "We need (Blocker)," Holtmann said. "I don't want to play Conor 38 minutes." --Field Level MediaNone
Are we truly happy? This question lingers in my mind repeatedly. The word ‘happiness’ holds different meanings for different people. For some, it is tied to wealth, for others, to good health or material possessions. Yet, the essence of true happiness remains a mystery in this chaotic world. In today’s fast-paced, hyper connected world, the pursuit of happiness often feels like chasing shadows in a storm. We live in an era defined by unprecedented technological advances, yet paradoxically, we find ourselves grappling with heightened stress, anxiety etc. This paradox begs the question: what is real happiness, and how do we redefine it in an age marked by chaos? The 21st century offers unparalleled conveniences, from instant communication to on-demand services. But alongside these luxuries, we are bombarded with a relentless stream of news cycles, social media updates, and societal pressures to excel. Global crises such as climate change, pandemics, political unrest etc. further amplify a collective sense of instability. These external factors, combined with internal struggles, create a perfect storm that clouds our understanding of what happiness truly entails. For many, happiness has become synonymous with material success and external validation. We equate joy with promotions, luxury cars, and Instagram-worthy vacations. However, these fleeting pleasures often leave us emptier than before. True happiness, as philosophers and psychologists suggest, stems not from external achievements but from internal contentment and meaningful connections yes the meaningful connections which we lost in this social media era. Amidst the chaos, there’s a growing movement advocating for a return to simplicity. Practices such as mindfulness and gratitude are gaining traction as antidotes to modern life’s overwhelming demands. Mindfulness teaches us to live in the moment, savoring small joys-a child’s laughter, a sunset, or a shared meal. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of abundance. By focusing on what truly matters, we free ourselves from the tyranny of excess and discover contentment in less. In an age of individualism, fostering a sense of community and belonging is crucial for happiness. Shared experiences, support systems, and acts of kindness create a ripple effect that uplifts not only individuals but society as a whole. Redefining happiness in the age of chaos is not merely an individual endeavor but a collective mission. Governments and institutions must prioritize policies that promote mental health, work-life balance, and social equity. Simultaneously, individuals must take deliberate steps to disconnect from distractions, align their actions with their values, and nurture their inner well-being. Real happiness is not found in the accumulation of things but in the richness of experiences, relationships, and inner peace. It is a state of being that arises from: Human beings are inherently social creatures, and nurturing relationships with family, friends, and community is crucial for emotional well-being. Sharing joy, supporting each other, and feeling a sense of belonging create a reservoir of happiness that sustains us through life’s challenges. A life guided by purpose-whether through work, passion projects, or service to others-provides a sense of accomplishment and direction. It’s not about what we achieve but why we do what we do that determines our happiness. Practicing gratitude for what we have, rather than lamenting what we lack, shifts our focus to the abundance around us. Contentment stems not from settling for less but from appreciating the simple joys of life-a warm meal, a kind word, or a moment of quiet reflection. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future robs us of the present moment’s joy. Mindfulness and meditation can help anchor us to the here and now, where happiness truly resides. Decluttering both physically and mentally can free up space for what truly matters. Prioritize experiences over possessions and quality over quantity. Embrace Kindness and Generosity: Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create a ripple effect that brings happiness not just to the receiver but also to the giver. Volunteer, help a neighbor, or simply offer a smile-it all counts. Physical well-being is deeply connected to mental happiness. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep form the foundation of a happy life. Invest in Relationships: Make time for loved ones, have meaningful conversations, and be present in your interactions. Building strong emotional bonds is one of the most reliable paths to happiness. Therefore, gaining real happiness is not about reaching a fixed point but embracing the journey itself. It is about recognising that life’s ups and downs are inevitable and finding ways to cultivate joy and resilience through it all. Happiness is not something to be pursued externally; it is discovered within, nurtured by our actions, choices, and mindset. (The author is from Faculty, Department of Commerce, Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu)
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) ("Onity” or the "Company”), a leading non-bank mortgage servicer and originator, today announced that Valerie Haertel has joined the Company as Vice President, Investor Relations. Ms. Haertel will report to Sean O'Neil, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Onity. Ms. Haertel is responsible for leading Onity's investor relations activities to accelerate investor outreach and to communicate the Company's business strategy, financial performance and investment thesis to the investment community. She also will be responsible for maintaining relationships with existing investors and analysts and expanding our analyst coverage profile. "We are excited to welcome Valerie to lead investor relations at Onity,” said O'Neil. "Her extensive experience in building and enhancing investor relations and external communications programs and strong relationships within the investment community will be invaluable to the communication of our strategic priorities and the factors that drive our financial results to create value for our shareholders. Valerie joins Onity at an exciting time as we have executed a dramatic transformation of our business that is positioned to build upon the strong results we have delivered this year.” Ms. Haertel brings to the Company more than 20 years of industry-diverse experience across the financial services and healthcare services sectors, having led investor relations at Vestis, a spinoff of Aramark Corporation, CVS Health, BNY Mellon, State Street Corporation and AllianceBernstein. Valerie Haertel Background Ms. Haertel has more than 20 years of experience as a leading investor relations and strategic corporate communications professional. She most recently served as Vice President, Investor Relations and External Communications of Vestis, a spinoff of Aramark Corporation. Previously, Ms. Haertel led investor relations for Cedar Gate Technologies, preparing the company for an IPO. Prior to this position, she served as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations of CVS Health. Prior to joining CVS Health, Ms. Haertel led Investor Relations for Teladoc Health, the largest global telehealth company. She also led global investor relations teams at BNY Mellon, State Street Corporation, Medco Health Solutions and AllianceBernstein. Ms. Haertel is a past chair of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) and an inaugural NIRI Investor Relations Charter (IRC) holder and was awarded the NIRI fellow distinction in 2020. She has earned industry recognition from IR Magazine, Institutional Investor Magazine and Greenwich Associates for her work as one of the nation's top IR professionals. Ms. Haertel holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from St. John's University in New York and has been serving as a Director on the Tobin Board of Advisors for St. John's University since 2019. About Onity Group Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) is a leading non-bank mortgage servicer and originator providing solutions through its primary brands, PHH Mortgage and Liberty Reverse Mortgage. PHH Mortgage is one of the largest servicers in the country, focused on delivering a variety of servicing and lending programs. Liberty is one of the nation's largest reverse mortgage lenders dedicated to education and providing loans that help customers meet their personal and financial needs. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices and operations in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, India and the Philippines, and have been serving our customers since 1988. For additional information, please visit onitygroup.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the possibility of expanding analyst coverage profile, driving financial results, and creating shareholder value. Forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties detailed in our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and current reports and quarterly reports filed with the SEC since such date. Anyone wishing to understand Onity's business should review our SEC filings. For Further Information Contact: Investors: Valerie Haertel, VP, Investor Relations (561) 570-2969 [email protected] Media: Dico Akseraylian, SVP, Corporate Communications (856) 917-0066 [email protected]Utah horseman concludes 6,000-mile ride through 25 states to spotlight the wild horse crisis
Where Does Rodgers Want To Play Next?LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Ex-DePaul guard leads N. Illinois against Chris Holtmann's Blue DemonsMENLO PARK, Calif. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) board of directors today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of the company's outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock, payable on December 27, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 16, 2024 . Contacts Investors: Kenneth Dorell investor@meta.com / investor.fb.com Press: Ryan Moore press@meta.com / about.fb.com/news/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meta-announces-quarterly-cash-dividend-302324358.html SOURCE Meta
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani."