The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani

About The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani

They were a team. Shohei and Ippei. They called themselves brothers. One was a young superstar destined for the Hall of Fame. The other was the hero’s valet – his translator, fixer, assistant, protector, and confidant. As Shohei Ohtani’s star rose to the heavens, Ippei Mizuhara kept him grounded. But in the spring of 2024, just weeks after celebrating Ohtani’s new 10-year, $700-million contract, their friendship was over. Someone had betrayed their best friend. From 30 for 30 Podcasts, the real story behind the scandal that almost ruined it all. Episodes drop Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Publisher

ESPN

Category

sports · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

20 Jul 2026

Latest episode

11 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

7 of 7 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   11 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Footnote

   Host [Host Name] interviews [Guest Name, Credential] about the complex truth behind the Shohei Ohtani scandal, revealing the intricate details of the unfolding events.

2. 

   6 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Feds

   Federal investigators reveal the details of their probe into Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara's alleged illegal activities.

3. 

   4 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Bookie

   Investigative journalist Evan Drellich explores how bookie Matt Bowyer's illegal gambling empire intersects with the Shohei Ohtani scandal.

4. 

   30 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Baseball Boy

   Host Alex Rodriguez interviews investigative journalist Ken Rosenthal about Ippei Mizuhara's hidden past and its connection to Shohei Ohtani's baseball career.

5. 

   28 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Interview

   Host [Host Name] interviews Shohei Ohtani as a surprising conversation reveals new layers to the mystery surrounding his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

6. 

   28 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Letter O

   ESPN Investigative Reporter Tisha Thompson reveals explosive details about Shohei Ohtani's alleged betrayal, uncovering a story that could shatter his public image.

7. 

   20 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Introducing: The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani

   Host [Host Name] explores the explosive sports scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara in this interview.

Inside a recent episode

Footnote

Published 11 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] But in his letter, he asked the judge to consider the power disparity between him and Shohei, how hard he had worked for his demanding boss, how little he'd been paid, how much he wanted to do the right thing. The judge was unconvinced. He said Ipe's letter was misleading and left out important facts. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

296 ratings

Spotify

4.5 / 5

93 ratings

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