The Gambling Man...allegedly..

   I BET you never thought you’d read this sentence…

 Definitely not a "victory cigar"

   Major League Baseball (MLB) is taking "very seriously" allegations that Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, took part in some illegal, underground poker games. MLB feels it must do so because, one of the games reportedly turned violent. (think Scarface, not bench clearing brawl)

   Now the part that concerns Yankee fans and baseball historians….A-Rod could face suspension if his participation in the games is confirmed.

   Rodriguez, who ranks 6th in career home runs (626), and is approaching 3,000 hits (2,762), was widely thought of as the man that would unseat Barry Bonds as MLB’s all time career home run leader (762). Then February 2009 happened…..(Sports Illustrated reports that Rodriguez took steroids) A-Rod admits to taking steroids in an interview with Peter Gammons, but throws his cousin under the proverbial bus, Yuri Sucart. Claiming, Sucart transported the drugs to him.
   Throw in some dates with Madonna, Kate Hudson, a world series ring, Cameron Diaz (not at once..that’d be a FULL HOUSE…), hip, knee and back injuries and Rodriguez has quickly gone from MLB’s golden child to an aging after thought.
   But, now it seems MLB will be forced to endure a controversy riddled slugger pursuing its most hallowed record….AGAIN.
   Recently, it was revealed that Rodriguez still employs his cousin, Sucart, despite being told by the Yankees that Sucart would no longer be allowed in the clubhouse.
   MLB is also worried that Rodriguez's name will reappear in the ongoing federal investigation of Dr. Anthony Galea, the Toronto physician charged with smuggling human growth hormone and other illegal substances into the United States. Galea has treated many professional athletes, including Rodriguez and Tiger Woods. 

Bad poker face...

   In 2005, Rodriguez was warned about gambling in underground poker clubs by the Yankees and by baseball commissioner Bud Selig. Both were concerned any involvement with gamblers who might be betting on baseball games could result in a Pete Rose-type lifetime ban from baseball….
   Reports of the undergound poker game were first published by RadarOnline.com. They say Rodriguez played in at least two of the games, one of which took place at the Beverly Hills mansion of a record executive at which "cocaine was openly used and a fight nearly broke out when one of the players refused to pay after losing "more than a half-million dollars." (No word if Charlie Sheen was in attendance..)
   According to the report, Rodriguez tried to distance himself from the drugs (because they weren’t P.E.D.s..) and violence, while losing a few thousand dollars and leaving.
   Which, sounds like A-Rod…losing seems to follow him (see his entire career minus 2009) And when you make upwards of $20 million a year, what’s a couple thousand bucks.
   According to a baseball executive, MLB hasn't determined if Rodriguez played in the games, which reportedly included actors Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck (Mr. Jennifer Garner) and Matt Damon. Reports say the games have been under investigation since 2007.
   MLB doesn’t believe A-Rod bet on the outcome of baseball games (somewhere Pete Rose is mumbling “stick to your lie..”) just cards. (not the ones in St. Louis) But, Commissioner Selig is pretty miffed A-Rod didn’t heed his warning.

   Rodriguez is currently rehabbing in Miami, following knee surgery on July 11th, so he couldn’t be reached for comment. The Yankees claim to know nothing about the investigation, but I assume would like to PARLAY a couple pitchers out of a possible suspension to Rodriguez…

bffs?

   This story should surprise no one. Rodriguez has always said one thing and done another. He’s always been consumed with his appearance and media/ public perception. Whether it was sunbathing in Central Park, highlighting his hair, secretly rendezvousing with manly looking strippers while married or having sleepovers with Derek Jeter….A-Rod isn’t your typical baseball player. And if reports are correct, it doesn’t sound like he’s much of a poker player either.