Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Scandal TV series in the works at Lionsgate

The gambling scandal surrounding LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter is already getting the attention of the TV series.

Lionsgate Television is in the early stages of developing a series about the scandal. There is currently no writer or network attached to the project, but Scott Delman and Albert Chen are both attached to produce. Executive Max Elins is overseeing the project for Lionsgate Television, while Bryan Weiser negotiated the deal.

Ohtani made headlines around the world when he signed a ten-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The star pitcher and design hitter had been working with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara for years, but just one day into the 2024 MLB season, it was revealed that Mizuhara had stolen nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts. He was immediately fired and later turned himself in to federal authorities. That was just reported he has pleaded guilty to costs of bank and tax fraud.

“With a strong track record of creating bold, groundbreaking series, Lionsgate Television is the perfect partner to bring this incredible story to the screen,” said Delman. “Additionally, Albert’s extensive sports journalism background will allow us to connect the dots to make sense of the surprising turn of events we have seen unfold on the world stage.”

Chen previously wrote the sports gambling book ‘Billion Dollar Fantasy’. He is also the co-creator, co-host and producer of the podcast “All American” from Stitcher and SiriusXM. He was editor-in-chief at Sports Illustrated, during which time he covered baseball extensively, and was also a contributor to MLB Network.

“This is the biggest sports gambling scandal in Major League Baseball since Pete Rose – and at the center of it is its biggest star, a star that MLB has hitched its wagon to,” Chen said. “We get to the heart of the story – a story about trust, betrayal and the trappings of wealth and fame.”

Delman has extensive theater accolades, producing such hit shows as “The Book of Mormon,” “All the Way,” “Raisin in the Sun” and “The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time.” He has won thirteen Tony Awards and six Olivier Awards. On television, he recently produced the Max series ‘Station Eleven’.