MLB Investigating Alex Rodriguez's Link to Poker Games

Major League Baseball is looking into a report that New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez took part in high stakes illegal poker games. Some have even speculated that his off-the-field activities could potentially lead to a suspension for the power-hitting third baseman.

The story originally surfaced in the tabloid Star Magazine, which told a tale in which Rodriguez was part of a regular poker game where drugs and violence were also common. According to the story, Rodriguez allegedly played in a game also frequented by Hollywood actors Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Ben Affleck. The games reportedly took place in the Beverly Hills mansion owned by Cody Leibel.

However, Rodriguez has so far disputed the story. According to his publicist, Richard Rubenstein, the article “contains number factual inaccuracies,” and Rodriguez plans to cooperate with any investigations made by Major League Baseball.

According to ESPN.com, investigators from Major League Baseball are expected to arrange a date to speak with Rodriguez soon. While Rodriguez has been linked to poker games before, the charges of drugs and violence may make the activity less acceptable in the eyes of the commissioner’s office.

Rubenstein made a point of disputing many of the claims made in the Star Magazine feature. For instance, one of the players supposedly playing with Rodriguez was legendary tennis pro Pete Sampras – a charge Rubenstein called “preposterous.”

“Not only has Alex never played in a game with Pete Sampras,” he said, “Alex has never met Pete Sampras.”

Rodriguez is currently on the disabled list, and is scheduled to begin training again this week. Rodriguez is one of the most decorated players in Major League Baseball, having won three MVP awards and played in 14 All-Star Games in his career. However, “A-Rod” has also struggled with off-the-field issues throughout his career, including admitting to having used steroids between 2001 and 2003. Rodriguez is 6^th all-time in career home runs hit with 626, and 11^th all-time in runs batted in.