New Audio Reveals Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter Initially Claimed Star Agreed to Cover Gambling Debts

A newly released audio recording has provided fresh details on the gambling scandal that led to the downfall of Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The recording, obtained by Reuters, captures Mizuhara telling an ESPN reporter that Ohtani initially agreed to help repay his mounting gambling debts, a story he later retracted.

In the interview conducted in March 2024, Mizuhara said he first met an illegal bookmaker at a poker game and began betting, but as losses grew he turned to Ohtani for financial relief. Mizuhara explained that Ohtani was hesitant and wanted to ensure any funds would go directly to settling the gambling debts, not to other purposes. The conversation took place before Mizuhara was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers and before Ohtani’s legal team accused him of a “massive theft.”

Less than 24 hours after that initial interview, Mizuhara changed his account and admitted to ESPN that his original claims were false. He subsequently pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion and is now serving a 57-month prison sentence. Authorities say he stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover his illicit gambling obligations.

The audio recording is featured in "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani," a six-part series from ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts. Mizuhara, who had worked as Ohtani’s interpreter for both the Los Angeles Angels and the Dodgers, was considered a close friend of the baseball star before the theft allegations ended their relationship.