Report: Alex Rodriguez Will Not Be Suspended for Illegal Poker Allegations

by

Aug 7, 2011

Report: Alex Rodriguez Will Not Be Suspended for Illegal Poker Allegations Alex Rodriguez will have likely missed a bit more than a month of baseball once he returns from his knee injury later this month.

That will be the extent of the games A-Rod will miss, as MLB has decided not to suspend the All-Star third baseman amid allegations that he participated in an illegal poker game, the New York Post reports.

While MLB certainly frowns upon players gambling — Rodriguez had already received a warning from the league in 2005 — the league decided that unless Rodriguez admits to more serious allegations, his card-playing ways are not enough to ban the star.

"Even if it is determined that he was [playing illegal poker], he will not be suspended at this time for this infraction," a source told the New York Post. "He will be warned again and not lightly."

Rodriguez will receive a "serious" warning, and MLB will reportedly look to add language to the next collective bargaining agreement that prevents players from participating in illegal underground poker games.

Sources had placed Rodriguez at a Beverly Hills poker game where, among the allegations, a fight broke out and cocaine was used. Rodriguez apparently held another one of the games at his Miami home, where a participant brought "thugs" to intimidate the others. Actors Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon have also been tied to the poker ring.

Rodriguez has yet to meet with MLB officials, but his spokesman said "he looks forward" to the meetings. Rodriguez declined to discuss the allegations while rehabbing last week, but has denied participating.

Previous Article

Report: Casino Revenue Could Be Used to Keep Blue Jackets in Columbus

Next Article

Rex Ryan Does Not Wish Shaun Ellis Well With New England Patriots

Picked For You