Alex Rodriguez Faces $100 Million Lawsuit From Former Brother-In-Law

As he battles through his worst slump of the 2015 season, New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez may soon face a battle that he cannot fix with one swing of the bat.

According to Christian Red of the New York Daily News, Rodriguez is facing a $100 million lawsuit from his ex-brother-in-law, Constantine Scurtis. The lawsuit stems from Rodriguez allegedly using the duo’s real estate business–Newport Property Ventures Ltd.– to commit both mortgage and insurance fraud.

Scurtis filed the lawsuit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on late Wednesday, according to the report. The brother of Rodriguez’s ex-wife, Cynthia, spoke to Red about the lawsuit.

“This is the last thing in the world I want to do. I have a very positive career going on right now. It’s not good to be involved in litigation in the business I’m in. I’m not trying to draw attention to myself. But what’s right is right.”

Red was also able to speak to Rodriguez’s attorney, John C. Lukacs Sr. about the lawsuit on late Wednesday. Lukacs Sr. claimed that he did not have a chance to review the complaint but did point out the time of the lawsuit was to “exploit the media to (Scurtis’) advantage.”

The lawsuit stems from several issues between Scurtis and Rodriguez. One topic that is touched upon frequently is Rodriguez’s divorce from Scurtis sister Cynthia in 2008, per ESPN. The divorce is said to have “forever changed” their relationship. But the financial issues are the main issue for Scurtis, who, at one time was close the Yankees’ slugger.

The driving force behind Scurtis’ lawsuit is due to Rodriguez allegedly filing paperwork that claimed to have Scurtis listed as a recipient of “$2,000,000.00 in capital gains from sales of partnership properties.” However, Scurtis’ attorney, Joel Denaro told the Daily News that his client never received any money.

“Mr. Rodriguez misled the IRS into thinking that he paid Scurtis partnership monies, when in fact he did not.”

Another of Scurtis’ attorney’s, Vince Duffy elaborated on the lawsuit. Duffy says that the matter escalated from something that should have been resolved without issues into a “financial assault” from Rodriguez.

“What should’ve been a partnership settlement degenerated into a financial assault by Mr. Rodriguez. Still, because of Mr. Scurtis’ love for his family, he tried to reach an agreement with Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez refused. Mr. Scurtis was left with no choice but to defend himself under the law.”

The article continues to describe the turmoil that was generated between Rodriguez and Scurtis. A 2008 text message that was allegedly sent from Rodriguez to Scurtis’ is given in the article, suggesting that Rodriguez felt wrong with how their relationship ended up.

Addressed to “Taki,” which was Scurtis’ nickname, the text message emits a willingness to forgive-and-forget. But that is likely no longer the case as Rodriguez will attempt to hit a home run and escape the trial unscathed.

“Taki, I am sorry things Went down this way. I have the utmost Respect for you and Have a lot a lot of Love for you. I know I handled your Deal wrongly. I hope to have a long Calm, loving discussion Over lunch. Me and you alone. I also, do not believe This is the end for us.”

[Image by Tom Pennington/Getty Images]