MLB probing A-Rod and illegal poker games
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is congratulated after scoring in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium. (June 28, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
Major League Baseball plans to interview Alex Rodriguez on allegations that he participated in illegal poker games.
"We take this very seriously and have been investigating this matter since the initial allegation," MLB said in a statement Wednesday. "As part of the investigation, the Commissioner's Office will interview Mr. Rodriguez."
An MLB spokesman declined to comment on whether the investigation could lead to a suspension. Any attempt to suspend Rodriguez would likely be met with opposition from the Players Association.
In 2005, MLB and the Yankees expressed their disapproval when A-Rod reportedly had been spotted at a New York poker parlor. They warned him to stay away from the games, though playing in them is not illegal.
At the time, Rodriguez admitted that he frequented illegal gambling venues, and said that it was a mistake and that he "would never be back."
Star Magazine reported last month that several people saw Rodriguez playing at one of the games hosted at Hollywood hotels and private residences. A-Rod's representative, Richard Rubenstein, told Newsday that Rodriguez did not participate in those games. Major League Baseball said it would "look into" the matter.
Reports have said the games being investigated date as far back as 2007.
The Players Association declined to comment, as did the Yankees who, as of late Wednesday afternoon, had not been contacted by MLB about a possible suspension. Yankees GM Brian Cashman also declined to comment and Rubenstein said they did not yet have a statement. On Thursday morning, Rubenstein said in a statement that the Star’s story contains “numerous factual inaccuracies.”
Rodriguez is due to report to Tampa on Thursday and will do his first on-field work since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee July 11.
Asked about the Star Magazine report in July, Rodriguez said, "If need be, there's something that I'll say once, but I'm not really going to get into any of that now."
Before last night's game against the White Sox in Chicago, Joe Girardi said, "I don't really have any comment on it. I'll let baseball handle those things."
Star Magazine reported via RadarOnline.com that A-Rod gambled on at least two occasions, in games that included Tobey Maguire, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon.
RadarOnline.com also said Rodriguez helped organize and participated in a 2009 poker game in his hometown of Miami.
With Ken Davidoff
