Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz and top jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. have been linked to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico through social media posts, according to reporting from USA Today. The posts advertise cockfighting tournaments featuring Díaz in his Dodgers uniform and quote him discussing his family's participation in the events. Representatives for Díaz and the Ortiz brothers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Cultural and Legal Context
Cockfighting has been a longstanding tradition in Puerto Rico, where it was legal until a federal ban took effect in 2019. The ban sparked backlash among many Puerto Ricans, who viewed it as an attack on their culture. In response, Puerto Rico passed a law allowing cockfights as long as no animals or related goods are imported or exported. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal ban in 2021, making participation a potential federal crime.
Public and Legal Reactions
The controversy has raised questions about the athletes' involvement in a banned activity, particularly given Díaz's high-profile status with the Dodgers. The Ortiz brothers, who recently dominated the Kentucky Derby, were also identified in promotional materials tied to the events. The reporting highlights the ongoing tension between federal law and Puerto Rican cultural practices.