Full Breakdown
Dodgers Pitcher and Top Jockeys Linked to Illegal Cockfighting in Puerto Rico
5/15/2026, 4:14:36 AM
Allegations of Cockfighting Involvement
Social-media posts have linked Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz and Kentucky Derby-winning jockey brothers José and Irad Ortiz to cockfighting tournaments in Puerto Rico. USA Today cited images of Díaz in his Dodgers uniform alongside advertisements for a 2025 event, while a Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico Facebook post listed the Ortiz brothers as participants in the “Caribbean Grand Champion” tournament. Díaz, a three-time All-Star, signed a three-year, $69 million contract in December 2025; the Ortiz brothers secured the top two spots in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming (KHRG) opened an inquiry after the reports and ultimately took no administrative action.
Legal Context
Cockfighting has long been part of Puerto Rican culture. A federal law banning the sport took effect on the island in 2019, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a challenge to that ban in 2021. Puerto Rico subsequently enacted a local statute permitting cockfights that do not involve import or export of animals or related services.
Official Statements & Responses
Travers Manley, senior vice president of Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming, said the organization investigated the matter, met with the Ortiz brothers, and chose not to impose administrative sanctions. The Dodgers organization and representatives for Díaz and the Ortiz brothers did not respond to requests for comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Many Puerto Ricans view the federal prohibition as an attack on a longstanding cultural tradition, arguing that the ban undermines local customs. Puerto Rico’s own law allowing cockfights without import or export reflects this opposition and fuels tension with federal authorities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
KHRG’s inquiry ended without sanctions, yet the allegations persist. The exact start date of the investigation is unclear, and neither Díaz’s nor the Ortiz brothers’ representatives have commented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here,” — Edwin Díaz, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher
- “It’s something I’ve done since childhood, something my dad instilled in me.” — Edwin Díaz, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher
- “Brothers Irad and José Luis Ortiz accepted the challenge of participating in the ‘Caribbean Grand Champion’ tournament with a single goal: to become undisputed champions,” — Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico (Facebook post)
- “The investigation included the stewards meeting with Irad and Jose. Following the investigation, KHRG stewards elected not to take administrative action against them,” — Travers Manley, Senior Vice President, Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming
Future Outlook
Díaz is slated to rejoin the Dodgers in the second half of the 2026 season after elbow surgery. The Ortiz brothers remain under public scrutiny, and the controversy over cockfighting in Puerto Rico remains unresolved.
