New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be interviewed in connection with reports that he participated in illegal poker games, an MLB spokesman said Wednesday.
"We take this very seriously and have been investigating this matter since the initial allegation. As part of the investigation, the Commissioner’s Office will interview Mr. Rodriguez," spokesman Patrick Courtney said.
The allegations, which were reported Thursday on RadarOnline.com, citing a Star magazine investigation, accuse Rodriguez of participating in at least two underground poker games. One allegedly was held in the Beverly Hills mansion of a record executive, where "cocaine was openly used" and a fight nearly broke out over a player refusing to pay more than $500,000, the report said.
Rodriguez also reportedly organized his own high-stakes game in Florida that ended with a player calling in "several thugs in a bid to intimidate rival players" after he lost "tens of thousands of dollars," according to the RadarOnline.com story.
Rodriguez could face suspension if his participation in the games is confirmed, ESPNNewYork.com reported, citing an MLB executive speaking on condition of anonymity.
Rodriguez declined comment to the New York Daily News in July, when the allegations first surfaced.
"Mr. Rodriguez has not participated in these poker games," his spokesman, Richard Rubenstein told the newspaper back then.
Rodriguez is currently on the disabled list with a knee injury.
FULL STORY
Mmmmmm: I don't know, who does?
A cannibal whose turn it is to grill tonight...
Hannibal?
Are we relatable, I see you gotta lotta m's in your name...do my dad know your mom?
O.k., yall asked for it: the politics of poker leave no room for religion, unless you're losing.
And yes Charlie, he's "winning!".
Another rich jock who thinks he can do what ever he wants because the rule never apply to him.
It's really pathetic when you can't have a poker game in your own fracking home. What's the next headline?
"Faver faces lifetime suspension for getting caught eating barbeque in the hot tub"?
When you choose to become an MLB player you are made aware of the rules. I think that a man should be able to play in a poker game if he wishes, but not if it is expressly prohibited as a condition to his continued employment. He is being a jacka$$. When he retires in a few years he'll be worth over 100 million dollars, and then he can gamble all he wants to.
Favre was a well known h0mos3xual in some circles.
I liked A-Rod much better when he was with the Mariners in Seattle.
OMG!! What next, Ole St. Nick busted for operationing a slade without a license.
maybe he and his buddies were gambling with steroid needles instead of poker chips?
Honey, get the club I smell dinner...