A-Rod Under Investigation By MLB For Underground Poker Party and Brawl

For the second time in recent years,  New York Yankees star, Alex Rodriguez is at the center of an underground poker scandal. This time things supposedly got violent.

MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, has ordered the third baseman to appear before investigators over allegations-- published in Star Magazine-- that Rodriguez took part in illegal Texas Hold 'Em games where cocaine was used and a fight erupted.

According to ESPN, MLB is looking into the allegations and taking them very seriously.

A-Rod is currently on the DL, recovering from knee surgery, and is expected to rejoin the Yankees within the next two weeks.

The games were allegedly held at the Beverly Hills mansion of record executive Cody Leibel with the host losing as much as a half-million dollars one night.  The brawl was attributed to his refusal to pay.



According to Radar Online, a witness said A-Rod lost a few thousand dollars that night, but didn't want to get involved in the fight.  The witness said Rodriguez " paid up and left."

In 2005, there were rumors that A-Rod was involved with gambling and the Yankees warned their $300 million-dollar player to halt the illegal activities.

A source told Radar Online, "Selig is totally fed up with him.  It's like there is something new with him [Rodriguez] every day, and it's impossible to keep up."

Star Magazine reports that "as part of the investigation, the commissioner's office will interview Mr. Rodriguez."

Star also reported that former participants in the top-secret Texas Hold 'Em games have rejected A-Rod's earlier denial he played in the illegal games.

Insiders told Star A-Rod  gambled on two occasions in games organized by Molly Bloom.

Bloom is the sister of Jeremy--a former-Philadelphia Eagles player-- and she is known as the "poker madam" because she presides over the underground Hollywood poker scene.  The exclusive games are held in such luxurious settings as the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Other participants allegedly in the poker ring include Tobey Maguire, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, but they never played in the same games as the baseball star.

Rodriguez has repeatedly denied playing in any illegal poker games.

An MLB official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Rodriquez could face suspension, if his participation in the games is confirmed.