The Hollywood Reporter has unveiled plans for an upcoming television series inspired by the scandal involving Los Angeles Dodgers' baseball sensation, Shohei Ohtani, and his translator, Ippei Mizuhara.
For years, Mizuhara served as Ohtani's trusted confidant, sharing a close bond with the star athlete. However, investigations revealed a betrayal as Mizuhara was discovered diverting Ohtani's funds to an illicit bookmaker in California. With over 19 thousand bets placed, the embezzled sum is estimated to be in the millions.
Facing a potential 33-year prison sentence for his involvement in the betting scheme, Mizuhara is also expected to repay nearly $17 million to Ohtani. The translator has been terminated from his position, with Ohtani himself lamenting being a victim of the scandal.
Produced by Scott Delman and Albert Chen, the forthcoming series from Lionsgate Television will delve into Ohtani's meteoric rise to stardom and the subsequent turmoil stemming from Mizuhara's illicit activities.
