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.

Derek Jeter Spends All-Star Break in South Beach With Minka Kelly

The 82nd All-Star Game is over and the New York Yankees first 3,000-hit Club member, Derek Jeter,  didn't make a surprise appearance at Chase Field as many had rumored.  Instead, Jeter skipped the mid-summer classic to rest his strained calf and relieve the pressure of getting the milestone hit with his long-time girlfriend Minka Kelly.

Jeter was spotted hanging out in Miami with the 31 year-old actress this week.  The couple was seen having lunch and cuddling in the trendy South Beach area, only a baseball toss away from where Kelly is filming the new "Charlie's Angels" television series.

What better way to relieve pressure than for Jeter to opt for snuggling with a Hollywood angel over facing the Los Angeles baseball kind like Jered Weaver.

Jeter hasn't made too many comments regarding his controversial snub of the All-Star Game, after getting his historic 3,000th hit,  but plenty of others have come to the elected All-Star's defense.

"I have no problem with Derek Jeter," said Commissioner Bud Selig, according to the New York Post.  "I've known him for 15 years; he's always done the right thing.  I completely understand the situation.  And to tell you the truth, I probably would have done the same thing myself."

Jeter's teammate, Curtis Granderson echoed the sentiment.

"We understand where he is coming from," said the All-Star centerfielder.  "The most important goal is for the team, to go ahead and be healthy for the later part of the season, which is obviously the most important, which is what the  fans want to see."

Jeter picked up his 3,000th hit with a dramatic home-run on Saturday and there was speculation the twelve-time All-Star would still make it to last night's celebration, even if it was only to throw out the first ball. 

Now we know the Yankees Captain instead headed to Florida for some love during the three day break.