Leaked audio from an ESPN 30 for 30 podcast reveals that Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, posed as Ohtani during a phone call to authorize a $200,000 wire transfer in February 2022. The recording captures Mizuhara impersonating Ohtani to a Bank of America employee while attempting to send funds to Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker linked to illegal sports betting.
"Who am I speaking with?" the bank employee asked.
"Shohei Ohtani," Mizuhara responded.
During the call, Mizuhara stated he was trying to log into online banking but was unable to. He then requested the transfer of $200,000, specifying the amount to the bank employee.
Mizuhara, who had worked as Ohtani's interpreter since the player joined Major League Baseball in 2018, was fired by the Dodgers in March 2024. The dismissal followed allegations of theft and illegal sports gambling that surfaced during the team's season-opening series in Seoul, South Korea. An investigation found that Ohtani was a victim of massive fraud by Mizuhara. Mizuhara subsequently pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return, and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison. MLB concluded its investigation into the matter in June 2024.
Despite the scandal that marked the beginning of his tenure with the Dodgers, Ohtani has continued to perform at a high level, reportedly in the midst of a Cy Young season in 2026. He remains a global icon as the Dodgers pursue their third consecutive World Series title.