As players returned for Day 4 and in the money of the World Series of Poker Main Event, Jesse Rodriguez took his seat at Table 703 biding his time with a short stack. It’s been his first Main Event and is pleased that he’s already assured himself a cash. The 72-year-old is laid back and quiet. He’s dressed in a sports coat and his hair is graying. But don’t pretend that this affable poker player from Houston, Texas, can just be run over. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A former federal prosecutor, Rodriguez faced some of the toughest crooks, criminals, and bad guys around from Mexican drug cartels, organized crime, and more.