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Shohei Ohtani's interpreter Ippei Mizuhara's betrayal detailed in new ESPN podcast

A new ESPN podcast series, 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,' features the first on-record interview with former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who was fired and sentenced to nearly 5 years for stealing millions from Ohtani to fund illegal gambling. The podcast sheds new light on the scandal that rocked MLB and ultimately cleared Ohtani of wrongdoing.

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Shohei Ohtani's interpreter Ippei Mizuhara's betrayal detailed in new ESPN podcast

Shohei Ohtani's interpreter Ippei Mizuhara's betrayal detailed in new ESPN podcast

The short answer

This is about the gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. In March 2024, ESPN reported that Mizuhara used Ohtani's bank account to wire money to an illegal bookmaking operation. The Dodgers fired Mizuhara, and Ohtani accused him of 'massive theft.' Federal investigators and MLB cleared Ohtani of any involvement. Mizuhara was sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison. Now, a new ESPN podcast includes audio of Mizuhara's only extensive interview, given hours before his firing, where he expresses remorse. The podcast retraces the reporting and the events that led to his downfall.

Why it's trending

The six-episode ESPN podcast 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani' debuted on July 28, 2026, featuring never-before-heard audio of Mizuhara's emotional interview. This new content has reignited public interest in the scandal, especially as it provides Mizuhara's perspective for the first time.

A new ESPN podcast series, 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,' launched Tuesday with previously unreleased audio of Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara, who was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for stealing over $16 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts, gave his only extensive on-record interview hours before his firing in March 2024. The podcast, hosted by ESPN's Tisha Thompson, chronicles the reporting that uncovered the wire transfers from Ohtani's bank account to an illegal bookmaking operation run by Matthew Bowyer.

According to the Athletic, which reviewed advance episodes, the podcast includes quotes from Mizuhara saying 'My heart's ripping apart every minute' during the interview. The first two episodes recount the events leading to Mizuhara's dismissal and arrest, tracking the same timeline ESPN originally reported in 2024. Both Major League Baseball and federal law enforcement have cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing, confirming he was a victim of theft rather than a participant in gambling.

Timeline: In March 2024, while the Dodgers were in Seoul, South Korea, ESPN broke the story of suspicious wire transfers. Hours after Thompson's interview with Mizuhara, the Dodgers fired him. Ohtani later accused Mizuhara of 'massive theft.' Mizuhara was arrested, charged with bank fraud, and ultimately sentenced to 57 months in prison. The new podcast provides Mizuhara's firsthand account of his actions and remorse, offering a deeper look into the betrayal.

The podcast's release underscores the lasting impact of the scandal on Ohtani's legacy and sports betting in baseball. While Ohtani has moved on, continuing his historic career with the Dodgers, Mizuhara's story serves as a cautionary tale about gambling addiction and trust. The series may also prompt renewed discussions about how teams vet and monitor close associates of star athletes.

Timeline

  1. ESPN breaks story of wire transfers

    ESPN reporter Tisha Thompson learns of wire transfers from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to Matthew Bowyer's illegal bookmaking operation. She contacts Ohtani's representation.

  2. Thompson interviews Ippei Mizuhara

    Mizuhara agrees to an on-record interview with ESPN. He expresses remorse, saying 'My heart's ripping apart every minute.' This is his only extensive interview.

  3. Dodgers fire Mizuhara; Ohtani accuses him of theft

    The Los Angeles Dodgers terminate Mizuhara. Ohtani releases a statement accusing Mizuhara of 'massive theft' for using Ohtani's bank account to wire money.

  4. MLB and federal investigation clear Ohtani

    Major League Baseball and federal law enforcement conclude Ohtani had no knowledge of or involvement in the gambling or theft. Mizuhara is arrested and charged with bank fraud.

  5. Mizuhara sentenced to nearly 5 years

    Ippei Mizuhara is sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing over $16 million from Ohtani and for filing a false tax return.

  6. ESPN releases 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani' podcast

    The six-episode podcast series debuts, featuring audio of Mizuhara's March 2024 interview and retracing the scandal's timeline.

Questions people ask

What did Ippei Mizuhara do to Shohei Ohtani?

Mizuhara stole over $16 million from Ohtani's bank account to pay debts from an illegal bookmaking operation. He was Ohtani's longtime interpreter and friend.

Was Shohei Ohtani involved in gambling?

No. Major League Baseball and federal investigators cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing, concluding he was a victim of theft.

What is the new ESPN podcast about?

The podcast, 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,' details the scandal through interviews and includes the only extensive on-record interview with Mizuhara, given hours before his firing.

When is the podcast released?

The first two episodes debuted on July 28, 2026, at 5 a.m. ET. Subsequent episodes are released weekly.

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