Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates has denied any connection to mafia-linked rigged poker games following recent reports suggesting his involvement. The statement, issued by his business manager on Monday, came after Pablo Torre reported Sunday that Gates had hosted and participated in a rigged poker game in Miami organized by Curtis Meeks, who is among more than 30 people indicted last week in a sweeping FBI gambling investigation .

"Antonio Gates has not been involved nor has he been accused of any wrong doing, assertions to the contrary are false and without merit," the statement from EAG Sports Management CEO Denise White read . "There will be no further comments on this matter."

The probe also led to the arrests of NBA figures, including Portland Trailblazers coach Chaunce

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