(Image source: New York Daily News)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

You're watching multisource video news analysis from Newsy.

Sports newest bad boy -- is making a re-appearance.  Alex Rodriguez. Accused in the past of steroid use.  Now -- being written up -- for alleged gambling.

Tabloid editor Dylan Howard of The Star -- shares the scoop to Radar Online.

“He was warned to steer clear of the underground poker world, but he simply didn’t want to fold ‘em.
New York Yankees’ slugger Alex Rodriguez played in the illegal stakes Hollywood poker ring that featured numerous A-list celebrities, Star magazine is reporting exclusively.”

The New York Daily News reports -- The Star also linked ARod to a clandestine poker game in Hollywood.  One that has a star-studded cast of characters -- and a checkered record.

“Hollywood’s secret poker ring was exposed recently in a flurry of bankruptcy lawsuits ... The lawsuits claim the ‘exclusive’ games were invitation-only and took place at high-end hotels, clubs or private residences with players betting hundreds of thousands of dollars. Actor Tobey Maguire is being sued for his winnings and other A-list names reportedly in on the games were Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.”

CBS News reports -- Rodriguez’ publicist -- denies the reports -- saying ARod didn’t play in the games.

“Richard Rubenstein, Rodriguez's publicist, says in a statement Thursday morning that the Star's story contains ‘numerous factual inaccuracies.’”

Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal says -- an investigation -- is a whole lot different than a finding of guilt.  He’s reserving judgment and says, there’s a reason why -- ARod -- wouldn’t get close to a gambling table right now.

“In 2005, ARod was reportedly doing the exact same thing, and was warned by baseball and the Yankees not to player in this light any more.  If he indeed did it again, in an atmosphere which there was reportedly cocaine and violence, and heaven knows what else, then ARod is not too bright.”

Finally -- ESPN reports, just the allegations have some inside baseball, ready to pounce on one of baseball’s biggest stars.

“An insider tells ESPN, ‘Bud (Selig’s) totally fed up with him. It’s like there’s something new with him every day and it’s impossible to keep up with it.’  The Yankees have no comment and ARod could not be reached for comment.”
 

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