Lionsgate is developing a television series about the sports betting saga involving Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, according to numerous outlets including the Los Angeles Times.
The scripted series will reportedly focus on Ohtani’s rise as a player – he earned a 10-year, $700 million contract given his historic ability as both a hitter and pitcher – and the recent sports betting controversy involving Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The scandal was uncovered earlier this year, with details emerging that Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling losses.
Mizuhara agreed to plead guilty to a pair of federal charges Wednesday and could face up to 33 years in prison.
Scott Delman and Albert Chen will produce the television series. Delman produced “The Book of Mormon,” and is a 13-time Tony Award winner, while Chen is a sports journalist with bylines appearing in Time and Sports Illustrated, among other publications.
Additional details about the series, such as a projected release date or where it will air, have yet to be announced.
