ESPN Launches Podcast on Shohei Ohtani Money Transfer Scandal

By Cameron Tate

ESPN is delving back into the Shohei Ohtani money transfer scandal with a new six-part podcast series led by investigative journalist Tisha Thompson. Thompson initially broke the story in 2024, revealing unauthorized transfers from Ohtani's bank account to illegal bookmakers.

The scandal centers around Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was accused of orchestrating at least $4.5 million in wire transfers. ESPN's investigation uncovered transactions marked as 'loan' from Ohtani's account, totaling $1 million.

Ohtani's legal team initially suggested he was covering Mizuhara's gambling debts but later retracted, labeling Ohtani a victim of theft. Mizuhara's narrative also shifted, ultimately claiming Ohtani was unaware of the transactions.

Federal investigators continue to probe the bookmaker involved, Mathew Bowyer, whose operations were raided, leading to his guilty plea in 2025 for running an illegal gambling operation. Bowyer received a one-year prison sentence and a restitution order of $1.6 million.

Major League Baseball has launched its own investigation, though Ohtani remains on the roster as there is no evidence he knowingly placed bets on baseball.