Top Jockeys and MLB Pitcher Linked to Illegal Cockfighting in Puerto Rico

Prominent athletes, including Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr., and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz, have been linked to illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico. USA TODAY Sports uncovered photos and videos on social media appearing to show the Ortiz brothers participating in and advertising cockfighting tournaments, despite a federal ban on the practice in U.S. territories since 2019. The allegations emerge just as the Ortiz brothers prepare to compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes. Similarly, Diaz was featured in advertisements for cockfighting events and quoted defending the tradition as a legal pastime in Puerto Rico, although it remains federally prohibited. Participants face up to five years in prison, while spectators can receive up to one year. Neither the Ortiz brothers nor Diaz responded to requests for comment. The controversy highlights the tension between local cultural traditions and federal law, potentially bringing scrutiny to the athletes' careers during major sporting events. The evidence includes images of the athletes in cockfighting pits and promotional materials identifying them as participants or honorees in these illegal gatherings.