It has been some time since the gambling scandal of Shohei Ohtani’s former translator Ippei Mizuhara first came to light. Nearly three seasons later, ESPN is revisiting the earth-shattering event that nearly threatened the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 season before it even began.
ESPN announced “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” a six-part podcast series that will examine one of the biggest scandals in MLB history and the collapse of what was a close relationship between Ohtani and his longtime interpreter.
Hosted by investigative reporter Tisha Thompson, the “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” is the newest installment in ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts series, the audio counterpart to the documentary film series.
Thompson was who broke the story for ESPN back in March 2024, initially receiving a tip involving millions of dollars transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to an illegal bookmaking operation.
“The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” podcast series reveals new details about Mizuhara’s childhood and background and features, for the first time, audio from the only interview he gave about the scandal.
The series also includes extensive access to Mathew Bowyer, who ran one of the largest illegal bookmaking businesses in the country and offers unique insight into Mizuhara’s gambling activity.
Additionally, Thompson interviewed three federal agents involved in prosecuting the case, including an exclusive with the IRS agent who reviewed the bank transfers and communications between Mizuhara and Bowyer, as well as text messages between Mizuhara and Ohtani.
Episodes one and two, “The Letter O” and “The Interview,” premier July 28. The following episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursdays through Aug. 11.
“The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” and all of ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts can be found on ESPN.com, the ESPN App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, iHeart and wherever podcasts are available.
Shohei Ohtani lost sleep because of Ippei Mizuhara
Mizuhara began his 57 month prison sentence in June 2025. The former interpreter was also ordered to pay restitution to Ohtani after he admitted to stealing nearly $17 million in order to pay off gambling debts incurred while participating in illegal sports betting with a Southern California bookmaker.
Ohtani admitted that he lost sleep over the incident, but his situation improved as the investigations involving Mizuhara came to a close and the truth came to light.
The two-way superstar made an effort leave the event in the past after his innocence was proven, which is a likely reason why he is not involved with the 30 for 30 project.
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