Shohei Ohtani's ex‑translator admits lying about gambling money‑transfer

ESPN released an audio documentary that includes a 90‑minute interview with Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former translator. In the interview Mizuhara repeats false statements that Ohtani had agreed to pay off his gambling debts and that the baseball star personally covered a large transfer.

Investigations revealed that between November 2021 and March 2024 Mizuhara illegally moved roughly $17 million (about ¥27.8 billion) from Ohtani's accounts without his consent. Mizuhara was convicted of fraud and illegal gambling, sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, and is currently serving his sentence. Ohtani’s spokesperson has repeatedly said the player had no knowledge of the transfers and has never been involved in sports gambling. The released audio confirms Mizuhara’s deception and highlights his remorse for the wrongdoing.