ESPN released a new six-episode podcast series on July 28, 2026, featuring previously unheard audio from former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
The podcast, titled "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani," is hosted by investigative reporter Tisha Thompson.
It centers around an extensive March 2024 interview conducted hours before Mizuhara was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers for stealing millions from the baseball star.
Mizuhara was sentenced last February to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing $17 million from Ohtani to cover massive sports betting debts.
Federal law enforcement and Major League Baseball have fully cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing.
Mizuhara's Defense of Ohtani
During the recorded interview, Mizuhara explicitly defended the two-time Most Valuable Player, insisting that Ohtani never participated in sports betting or authorized money transfers to illegal bookmaker Matthew Bowyer.
"My heart's ripping apart every minute," said Mizuhara.
The podcast details how Mizuhara initially claimed Ohtani agreed to pay off his gambling debts, a statement he recanted hours later after admitting he lied to reporters and Ohtani's team.
"Never," said Mizuhara when asked if Ohtani ever placed bets.
Court documents reveal Mizuhara placed over 19,000 wagers without ever betting on baseball.
Federal investigators confirmed through thousands of reviewed messages that no communication regarding sports gambling existed between Ohtani and Mizuhara.
"I can guarantee – I'll put my life on the line – that he's never placed any sports bets ever in his life," said Mizuhara.
Mizuhara also noted Ohtani's strong stance against gambling activities among professional athletes.
"He thinks gambling is terrible," said Mizuhara.
According to Mizuhara, Ohtani's financial standing and personal beliefs kept him entirely separate from any wagering activities.
"Obviously he doesn't need the money," said Mizuhara.
When questioned rapidly by journalists after his initial account unraveled, Mizuhara confirmed that he acted independently and stole funds without Ohtani's knowledge.
"Ippei lied," said Matthew Hiltzik, crisis communications lead.
Mizuhara confirmed his fabrications during a follow-up exchange recorded in reporter notes.
"Yes," said Mizuhara when asked if he had lied.
When asked directly whether Ohtani had transferred any funds to the bookmaking operation, Mizuhara denied it.
"No," said Mizuhara.
Mizuhara similarly denied that Ohtani was aware of the wire transfers beforehand.
"No," said Mizuhara.
He also confirmed that Ohtani had not been informed about the gambling debts prior to the media exposure.
"No," said Mizuhara.
Mizuhara stated that he offered to repay the stolen funds back to Ohtani.
"Yes," said Mizuhara when asked if he offered to repay.
When asked when he made the offer to repay the funds, Mizuhara gave a specific timeframe.
"As soon as I can," said Mizuhara.
Mizuhara clarified when he discussed the repayment with Ohtani.
"I told him today and the past," said Mizuhara.
When asked when Ohtani discovered the missing funds, Mizuhara stated he was instructed not to comment further.
"They told me I can't answer anything," said Mizuhara.
Despite the initial turmoil, Mizuhara affirmed he was answering questions voluntarily.
"Yes," said Mizuhara.
In a public statement released shortly after Mizuhara was fired, Ohtani addressed the media through his new interpreter, Will Ireton, expressing his shock over the betrayal.
"I do want to make it clear that I never bet on sports or have willfully sent money to the bookmaker," said Ohtani.
Ohtani explained the deep emotional impact of learning about the missing funds and the unauthorized actions taken by his long-time associate.
"To summarize how I'm feeling right now, I'm just beyond shocked. It's really hard to verbalize how I am feeling at," said Ohtani.
Bowyer was sentenced in August 2025 to one year and one day in federal prison for running the illegal gambling business.
Ohtani went on to win consecutive World Series titles with the Dodgers.
