The scandalous tale involving Shohei Ohtani’s former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, which sounds like it’s ripped straight from a television script, is actually being adapted into a series by Lionsgate Television.
The studio has revealed plans for a scripted series that delves into the bizarre events where Mizuhara allegedly embezzled nearly $17 million from baseball megastar Ohtani to settle debts with a supposed bookmaker in California.
The project will be helmed by “Station 11” producer and Tony Award winner Scott Delman alongside former Sports Illustrated editor Albert Chen. The series aims to explore Ohtani’s meteoric rise in baseball and the ensuing scandal that erupted with the allegations against Mizuhara at the beginning of the MLB season.
“This is major league baseball’s biggest sports gambling scandal since Pete Rose, centering around its brightest star. We’ll explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the pitfalls of wealth and fame,” Chen remarked.
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The announcement follows news that Mizuhara has pleaded guilty to bank fraud and submitting a false tax return, facing up to 33 years in prison and substantial restitution payments to his victims.
While the series is currently untitled and no broadcast partner has been confirmed, Lionsgate expressed confidence in the project. “With our history of producing provocative series, and Albert’s deep understanding of sports, we are uniquely positioned to unpack this shocking story,” Delman stated.
Amidst the controversy, Ohtani has continued to excel on the field in his first season with the Dodgers, following his signing of a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract. He currently leads the majors in batting average, slugging percentage, and hits.
