ESPN is set to provide MLB fans with a brand-new look at one of the wildest stories in recent history. The broadcaster will add to its 30 for 30 podcast series with The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani.
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This new six-episode podcast comes courtesy of investigative reporter Tisha Thompson, who examines the collapsing relationship of four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Once closely connected, these two had a massive falling out due to Mizuhara's illegal activities and theft of millions of dollars.
The Dodgers awarded Ohtani with a 10-year, $700 million contract ahead of the 2024 season, which became the largest deal in sports. Around the same time, millions of dollars transferred from Ohtani's account to an illegal bookmaking operation.
The first explanation provided by Mizuhara was that Ohtani had helped him pay off an illegal gambling debt, but this did not last. The Dodgers player was not aware of this story, and he refuted it upon learning of the money missing from his accounts.
Ohtani then made allegations of theft, which led to the Dodgers firing Mizuhara. The interpreter ultimately confessed to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani for his gambling activities. He has since been sentenced to 57 months in prison.
The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani will cover these known storylines while also providing exclusive new information. This series will feature text messages between Ohtani and his interpreter, as well as audio of Mizuhara's only interview.
The podcast series will also have interviews with the three federal agents who prosecuted the case and access to Mathew Bowyer, the man who ran the illegal bookmaking operation.
The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani will debut with its first two episodes on July 28. The podcast series will then continue through Aug. 11 as MLB fans learn exclusive new information. The episodes will release on Tuesday and Thursday.
The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani Episode Guide
- July 28 - Episode 1: The Letter O
- July 28 - Episode 2: The Interview
- July 30 - Episode 3: Baseball Boy
- August 4 - Episode 4: The Bookie
- August 6 - Episode 5: The Feds
- August 11 - Episode 6: Footnote
