A drama based on the gambling saga of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter is coming to television.
Starz has picked up the rights to a Lionsgate TV production focusing on the events that ultimately led to Ippei Mizuhara pleading guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion for stealing millions of dollars from the two-time World Series champion.
Mizuhara, 40, used the funds to bet on sports, wagering more than $183 million with an eventual net loss of $40 million. He ultimately received almost five years in federal prison.
‘Fast and Furious’ Director Will Direct Series
The production company describes the series as “the inside story of Shohei Ohtani’s translator Ippei Mizuhara, who journeys from unemployed drifter to international icon only to find himself tangled in a gambling scandal that rocked the sports world,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Some of the principles involved in the production have already been announced. Alex Convery will serve as showrunner and writer, with Justin Lin directing and co-writing. Both, along with Scott Delman and sportswriter Albert Chen, will serve as executive producers.
Bowyer A Key Player In Scandal
Mathew Bowyer will probably be a central figure in the series. However, the series didn’t those details yet. The bookmaker was a major player in the gambling case involving the former interpreter.
The scandal first came to light after a federal investigation into Bowyer’s operation. Authorities said Mizuhara regularly texted Bowyer about betting and repeatedly asked for more credit to wager.
One of those texts noted: “I’m terrible at this sport betting thing huh? Lol . . . Any chance u can bump me again?? As you know, you don’t have to worry about me not paying!”
Bowyer used some of Ohtani’s stolen money to gamble at Las Vegas casinos, including Resorts World. In March, Nevada regulator fined the property $10.5 million mostly because the casino allowed Bowyer to place massive bets. The casino is also now being sued regarding alleged issues involving anti-money laundering laws.
Caesars Entertainment was handed a $7.8 million fine for allowing Bowyer to make nine “cash front” deposits of almost $4.5 million. MGM Resorts agreed to an $8.5 million fine in April for similar allegations.
