A-Rod may need an ace up his sleeve.
Commissioner Bud Selig today ordered Alex Rodriguez to meet with investigators about his involvement in a series of illegal poker games that could result in a suspension.
“It could be [a suspension] if it turns out he did something,” the source said. “I know they are not too happy about it.”
As new poker allegations swirl around the Yankees superstar, MLB released a statement that they are taking the investigation “very seriously.”
Any suspension would likely have to go through arbitration, which could make it difficult to pursue.
The RadarOnline report claims that A-Rod was at a poker game “where cocaine was openly used” and a fight nearly broke out when host Cody Leibel refused to pay a half million dollar loss.
“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,” the league said.
A-Rod’s alleged presence at the card games in Beverly Hills, Calif., was reported Radar in early July.
Major League Baseball said on July 2 that it was looking into the reports.
At the time, Rodriguez, through his spokesman Richard Rubinstein, denied ever playing in the illegal poker games run by jailed Ponzi schemer Brad Ruderman.
Actor Tobey Maguire was sued in June for more than $300,000 he allegedly won at the poker games by a trustee for Ruderman’s defrauded investors.
Actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon also participated in the games, according to reports.
In 2005, Rodriguez was warned by Major League Baseball about gambling in underground poker clubs.
The 36-year-old, three-time AL MVP is rehabbing in Tampa, Fla., after undergoing surgery July 11 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He is scheduled to resume baseball activities Thursday and is expected to return within the next two weeks.
Rodriguez, who was admonished in 2005 by Major League Baseball for his gambling and vowed to stop, has not commented on the report.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was quoted as saying he knew nothing about MLB’s investigation of Rodriguez’s poker-playing.
With Newscore