Major League Baseball

MLB probing A-Rod on gambling claims

Published Aug. 3, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig on Wednesday ordered Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez to meet with investigators over his alleged 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, Major League Baseball released a statement saying they are taking the investigation "very seriously." Any suspension would likely have to go through arbitration, which could make it difficult to pursue.

A RadarOnline report claimed Rodriguez was at a poker game "where cocaine was openly used" and a fight nearly broke out when alleged host Cody Leibel refused to pay a $500,000 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.

Rodriguez's alleged presence at the card games in Beverly Hills, Calif., was reported by RadarOnline in early July. Major League Baseball said July 2 that it was looking into the reports.

At the time, Rodriguez, through his spokesman Howard Rubinstein, denied ever playing in the illegal poker games run by jailed Ponzi schemer Brad Ruderman.

Actor Tobey Maguire was sued in June by a trustee for Ruderman's defrauded investors for more than $300,000 he allegedly won at the poker games.

In 2005, Rodriguez was warned by Major League Baseball about gambling in underground poker clubs.

The 36-year-old, three-time American League MVP is rehabbing in Tampa, Fla., after undergoing surgery last month to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He is scheduled to resume baseball activities Thursday and is expected to return to the field within the next two weeks.