Newly released audio from a 30 for 30 Podcast series reveals that Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, initially told a reporter that Ohtani had agreed to cover his gambling debts. Mizuhara claimed Ohtani helped him pay off over $17 million to an illegal bookmaker.

However, Mizuhara recanted his statements less than 24 hours later, admitting he had lied. The Dodgers subsequently fired Mizuhara, and Ohtani's representatives stated the baseball star was a victim of "massive theft." Mizuhara later pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return, receiving a 57-month prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Mitchell noted that Mizuhara's initial interview with ESPN investigative reporter Tisha Thompson complicated efforts to convince the public that Ohtani was a victim. The podcast series, "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani," explores the scandal, including details about Mizuhara's past and communications between him and Ohtani, which federal agents described as "vanilla" with no mention of betting.