Los Angeles Dodgers hat. Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Dodgers’ All-Star Pitcher, 2 Kentucky Derby Jockeys Among High-Profile Athletes Tied To Illegal Cockfighting Ring

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated May 15, 2026 6:44 PM ET

At least three Puerto Rican athletes have been tied to illegal cockfighting in their country. Ever since February, the activity has been going on with celebrities attending or being celebrated during the events.

Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a cockfighting club in Puerto Rico, saw two jockeys collecting money off the pit as the crowd bet on the “fighters.”

Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr., two jockeys who competed at the Kentucky Derby almost two weeks ago, were spotted participating in these illegal activities.

Lo que hacen las malas juntas con Jara…

Los galleros hipicos pic.twitter.com/Cj6UfWDGD0
— Josmaestre13 (@Josmaestre131) November 23, 2025

Edwin Diaz Also Involved In Illegal Cockfighting

Edwin Diaz (Image Credits: Imagn)

USA Today Sports also noted that the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Edwin Diaz received a tribute during these cockfighting events. Facebook posts dated Feb. 2 and Feb. 4 advertised a cockfighting tournament in honor of Diaz.

“The Puerto Rico Cockfighting Club invites all enthusiasts to a special match and a grand tribute to one of our island’s greatest sources of pride: A Tribute to the Puerto Rican Star and Cockfighter Edwin ‘Sugar’ Díaz,” the post read.

A federal ban on cockfighting in all 50 states and U.S. territories began in Puerto Rico in 2019. However, people on the island see it as a cultural thing, and they remain reluctant to stop.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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