Podcast explores interpreter’s initial claims
A new six-episode podcast series, “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,” is set to debut, featuring audio from the only extensive on-record interview given by Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter. The podcast revisits the events that led to Mizuhara’s dismissal and subsequent arrest. The first two episodes, released on Tuesday, include original audio from an interview conducted by Tisha Thompson, who hosts the podcast.
Hours after that interview, the Los Angeles Dodgers fired Mizuhara. Ohtani accused Mizuhara of a “massive theft” for using Ohtani’s bank account to transfer money to an illegal bookmaking operation run by Matthew Bowyer. Mizuhara was later sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Bowyer received a sentence of one year and one day in federal prison for operating an illegal gambling business.
Mizuhara’s account with Bowyer involved placing more than 19,000 wagers and accumulating tens of millions in debts, according to a federal affidavit. Mizuhara stated in the recorded interview that none of these wagers were placed on baseball, and Ohtani himself never placed a wager. He emphasized that Ohtani detested gambling and made comments when he observed teammates engaging in it.
Uncertainty and shifting narratives
The podcast recounts how Thompson’s reporting began after a source showed her documents via an encrypted app. These documents revealed wire transfers totaling $1 million from a Bank of America account linked to Ohtani, with both transfers sent to Bowyer labeled as “loan.” These payments, dated September 14, 2023, and October 2, 2023, provided an early financial link between Ohtani’s account and Bowyer’s operation.
Thompson then contacted Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo. A crisis communications team, led by Matthew Hiltzik, arranged for Thompson to speak with Mizuhara. During this 80-minute interview, Mizuhara presented his initial version of events, stating that he had asked Ohtani for help with his gambling debts. Mizuhara claimed that Ohtani eventually agreed to pay. He also suggested that he and Ohtani had sent the transfers to Bowyer together.
However, hours later, after Mizuhara had served as Ohtani’s interpreter during a postgame media scrum, Hiltzik reportedly called Thompson again, stating, “Ippei lied.” Subsequent interactions, based on notes from Thompson, indicated a change in Mizuhara’s story. When asked if he lied, Mizuhara responded, “Yes.” He also stated that Ohtani did not transfer the funds and did not know they were being transferred.
Federal investigation and Ohtani’s clearance
Federal investigators eventually cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing. Mizuhara was found to have transferred nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account without the player’s knowledge. He had gained access to Ohtani’s accounts and, as reported, impersonated Ohtani in a phone call to access the funds, sending the wires himself.
Mizuhara attributed his initial money troubles to his work with Ohtani, stating it was difficult for him to “make ends meet” while trying to maintain Ohtani’s lifestyle. He mentioned earning $85,000 per year as Ohtani’s interpreter with the Los Angeles Angels. Mizuhara also expressed fear of disappointing Ohtani, whom he considered like a brother.
In a prepared statement delivered through his current interpreter, Will Ireton, Ohtani stated, “I do want to make it clear that I never bet on sports or have willfully sent money to the bookmaker.” He also expressed being “beyond shocked” by the situation. Mizuhara was ordered to pay nearly $17 million in restitution to Ohtani.
The first two episodes of “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” were released on Tuesday, July 28, with subsequent episodes scheduled for release on Thursday, July 30, and then on August 4, August 6, and August 11.
Source: nytimes.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.