Trending Now - Dodgers' Edwin Díaz Tied to Controversial Cockfighting Event
WHO:
SOURCE SPORTS - Edwin Díaz, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever
Fox News - Champion jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr.
WHAT:
Fox News - A USA Today investigation linked Edwin Díaz to an illegal cockfighting ring through incriminating social media posts and promotional materials, with a reported financial connection of $102 million.
Fox News - Díaz confirmed that his family entered four roosters into a recent tournament, which has drawn significant media attention.
Fox News - Edwin Díaz described cockfighting as a pastime he has followed since childhood.
Fox News - Champion jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. were identified in social media footage tied to the cockfighting events, appearing on video collecting cash bets at one of the alleged gatherings.
SOURCE SPORTS - Edwin Díaz is allegedly linked to an illegal cockfighting ring in Puerto Rico.
Fox News - Díaz reportedly appeared in tournament graphics wearing his Dodgers uniform.
Fox News - A USA Today investigation linked Díaz to the illegal cockfighting ring through social media posts and promotional materials.
Fox News - Díaz confirmed that his family entered four roosters into a recent tournament.
Fox News - No criminal charges have been filed against Díaz, but MLB’s personal conduct policy allows for significant discipline.
WHERE:
SOURCE SPORTS - Puerto Rico
Fox News - Miami, Florida (specific event location mentioned: loanDepot Park)
WHEN:
Fox News - Díaz celebrated a strikeout during a game on March 15, 2023.
Fox News - A March 2026 interview with outlet El Nuevo Día discussed Díaz's family involvement in cockfighting.
WHY:
Fox News - The controversy has escalated due to the potential for PETA to apply pressure on Major League Baseball and the Dodgers regarding allegations of animal cruelty and illegal gambling, particularly in a city known for its strong animal rights advocacy.
Fox News - The controversy has escalated due to the potential for PETA to apply pressure on Major League Baseball and the Dodgers regarding allegations of animal cruelty and illegal gambling.
Fox News - The controversy arises from the federal ban on cockfighting that took effect in 2019 and was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021.
HOW:
Fox News - Díaz's involvement was revealed through social media footage and promotional materials linked to the cockfighting events.
(UPDATED May 16, 2026 05:52 UTC)
A USA Today investigation has linked Edwin Díaz to an illegal cockfighting ring, revealing incriminating social media posts and promotional materials that suggest a staggering financial connection of $102 million. Díaz has confirmed that his family entered four roosters into a recent tournament, which has attracted significant media attention. The controversy is intensifying as PETA may apply pressure on Major League Baseball and the Dodgers over allegations of animal cruelty and illegal gambling, especially in a city renowned for its strong animal rights advocacy.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 19:25 UTC)
Edwin Díaz has shared that cockfighting is a pastime he has enjoyed since childhood, a revelation that has sparked significant controversy. Social media footage has surfaced showing champion jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. allegedly collecting cash bets at one of these cockfighting events. This situation has intensified as PETA may apply pressure on Major League Baseball and the Dodgers over concerns related to animal cruelty and illegal gambling.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 17:27 UTC)
Edwin Díaz, the Los Angeles Dodgers reliever, is allegedly linked to an illegal cockfighting ring in Puerto Rico, with a recent investigation by USA Today uncovering connections through social media posts and promotional materials. Díaz confirmed that his family entered four roosters into a recent tournament, although no criminal charges have been filed against him, and Major League Baseball's personal conduct policy could still lead to significant discipline. The controversy stems from a federal ban on cockfighting that was enacted in 2019 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021.