Jose and Irad Ortiz, top jockeys from Puerto Rico, are linked to illegal cockfighting through social media photos. MLB pitcher Edwin Diaz is also implicated in cockfighting events in Puerto Rico.
Key points
Jose and Irad Ortiz linked to illegal cockfighting
Photos on social media show their involvement
Edwin Diaz also connected to cockfighting events
Diaz promoted tournaments while in Dodgers uniform
Ortiz brothers to compete in Preakness Stakes on May 16
Mentioned in this story
Jose OrtizIrad Ortiz Jr.Edwin DiazLos Angeles DodgersPuerto Rico
Preakness Stakes
Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr., among the top jockeys in horse racing and brothers from Puerto Rico, dueled in a thrilling finish at the Kentucky Derby almost two weeks ago. Their Triple Crown run continues this weekend with potential scrutiny.
The discovery of the photos comes almost six months after a video posted on X appears to show Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz collecting money off the pit floor from the betting crowd in Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a cockfighting club in Puerto Rico. They are not the only prominent Puerto Rican athletes apparently involved in cockfighting.
Text in one of the ads, translated into English, reads, âThe Puerto Rico Cockfighting Club invites all enthusiasts to a special match and a grand tribute to one of our islandâs greatest sources of pride: A Tribute to the Puerto Rican Star and Cockfighter Edwin 'Sugar' DĂaz."
El Nuevo DĂa, the largest circulating newspaper in Puerto Rico, published a story March 10 with a photo showing Diaz standing in the pit of a cockfighting arena. Translated into English, the article quotes Diaz saying, "Itâs a pastime Iâve followed since I was a child. Itâs legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldnât be here."
A federal ban on cockfighting in all 50 states and U.S. territories took effect in Puerto Rico in 2019. But cockfights continue on the island where authorities and residents have said the fights began 400 years ago and are culturally significant.
Q&A
What evidence links Jose and Irad Ortiz to illegal cockfighting?
Photos found on social media appear to show Jose and Irad Ortiz involved in illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico.
How is Edwin Diaz connected to cockfighting in Puerto Rico?
Edwin Diaz is linked to cockfighting through social media posts that show him promoting cockfighting tournaments while wearing a Dodgers uniform.
What are the potential consequences for the Ortiz brothers and Edwin Diaz?
The involvement in illegal cockfighting could lead to scrutiny from authorities and damage their reputations in their respective sports.
When are the Ortiz brothers scheduled to compete next?
The Ortiz brothers are set to ride in the Preakness Stakes on May 16.
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The maximum penalty for participants in a cockfight is five years in prison and a fine and the maximum penalty for a spectator is one year in prison and a fine.
Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz did not respond to USA TODAY Sports requests for comment submitted by voicemail and text message with brothers' agent, Steve Rushing.
Attempts by USA TODAY Sports to reach Diaz through the Dodgers and THE TEAM, an agency that represents Diaz, were unsuccessful.
Derby Day has arrived, and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" will be here and gone before you know it. See the best moments from the race.
Jacob Skillman from Louisville yells in excitement while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Haywire, ridden by Luan Machado, Sister Jean, ridden by Jaime A Torres, and Butterfly Jasmine, ridden by Brian J Hernandez take off out of the gate for the first race of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
Horses take off from the starting gate for the first race ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Lynn and Spencer Webster from Charlotte watch the first race on the card ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
People cheer in the infield as Time to Strike, ridden by John Velazquez, and Powershift, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., head down the back stretch at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Kelly Green of Louisville had a unique fascinator made by Hat Haven that surrounded her face while she attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
Antonio Grassa laughs with his friends ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Brecken Erickson and Maci Cox embrace after Erickson proposes in the infield during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
A DJ spins tunes to the infield crowd during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
People cheer during the 91st running of The Churchill Downs on 2026 Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
Jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Stark Contrast celebrate after winning the 35th running of The American Turf at the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May 2, 2026.
Horses cross the finish line ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
1 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Derby Day has arrived, and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" will be here and gone before you know it. See the best moments from the race.
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Jacob Skillman from Louisville yells in excitement while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
4 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Haywire, ridden by Luan Machado, Sister Jean, ridden by Jaime A Torres, and Butterfly Jasmine, ridden by Brian J Hernandez take off out of the gate for the first race of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
5 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Horses take off from the starting gate for the first race ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
6 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Lynn and Spencer Webster from Charlotte watch the first race on the card ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
7 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
People cheer in the infield as Time to Strike, ridden by John Velazquez, and Powershift, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., head down the back stretch at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
8 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Kelly Green of Louisville had a unique fascinator made by Hat Haven that surrounded her face while she attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
9 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Antonio Grassa laughs with his friends ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
10 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Brecken Erickson and Maci Cox embrace after Erickson proposes in the infield during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
11 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
A DJ spins tunes to the infield crowd during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
12 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
People cheer during the 91st running of The Churchill Downs on 2026 Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
13 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Stark Contrast celebrate after winning the 35th running of The American Turf at the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May 2, 2026.
14 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 â See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Horses cross the finish line ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ortiz brothers advertised as participants in cockfighting tournament
In a photo posted to Facebook Jan. 14, 2025, Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz are holding what appear to be roosters while standing in the pit of a cockfighting arena in Puerto Rico. The Facebook page belongs to Oscar Calderon, who based on information found on social media is a cockfighter and breeder of fighting roosters known as gamecocks.
An ad posted on Facebook Dec. 17, 2025 that includes a photo of the Ortiz brothers is one of about a dozen in the same format identifying participants for a cockfighting event.
"Although they distinguish themselves in the world of international horse racing â standing as the most successful pair of brothers in the field â they also harbor a passion for fighting cocks. For us, as an institution, it is an honor to have them competing in our coliseum."
May 2, 2026; Louisville, KY, USA; Golden Tempo jockey Jose Ortiz, left, is congratulated by his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., after the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Faughender/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
May 2, 2026; Louisville, KY, USA; Golden Tempo jockey Jose Ortiz, left, is congratulated by his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., after the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Faughender/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A photo of Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz wearing the same clothes as in the video that surfaced in November, shows them posing in front of Calderon, the cockfighter and breeder. The photo was posted onto Calderon's Instagram page Jan. 15, 2024, with a location tag of Club Gallistico de Naguabo, the same facility in the video posted on X in November.
Dodgers pitcher featured in cockfighting promotion
The two advertisements showing Diaz in a Dodgers uniform were posted on the Facebook page of Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico, a cockfighting club that filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government challenging the ban on cockfighting. The challenge failed but the club has an active website with a calendar of upcoming cockfighting events.
A post on the club's Facebook page featuring Diaz contains text that translates in English to read in part, âThe Puerto Rico Cockfighting Club invites all enthusiasts to a special match and a grand tribute to one of our islandâs greatest sources of pride: A Tribute to Puerto Rican Star and Cockfighter. Edwin 'Sugar' DĂaz."
Text on a second post on the club's Facebook page said Diaz would be available for photos and autographs at a cockfighting tournament.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on March 27, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on March 27, 2026, in Los Angeles.
An article in El Nuevo DĂa published March 10 includes a photo showing Diaz standing in the pit of a cockfighting arena. The caption of the photo reads: âEdwin 'Sugar' DĂaz took advantage of Puerto Rico's day off from the World Baseball Classic to unwind with one of his hobbies: cockfighting."
According to the article, Diaz was attending a multi-fight tournament during which his family entered four roosters.
An article published in January 2018 by Primera Hora, a newspaper in Puerto Rico, reported that Diaz fought five roosters at a cockfighting club in San Juan. The story also reported that MartĂn Maldonado, then a major league catcher with the Los Angeles Angels who has since retired, fought eight roosters.
In describing one fight, Primera Hora reported, "Suddenly, DĂaz's rooster took a 'knife wound' and fell to its knees, causing the fence judge to activate the one-minute count ..."
The rooster came back aggressively and won the fight, according to the article, which quoted Diaz saying, "My rooster went down dead and got up to fight, doing what my roosters know how to do: finish fights. He did what I do when I come in to pitch in the ninth: to close out the game."
Paintings of Diaz and Maldonado, with Diaz wearing a Mets jersey and Maldonado wearing an Astros jersey, are on a wall above cases holding roosters inside the Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a video posted on Facebook in 2024 shows.
Maldonado, who retired from MLB in 2025 after a 15-year career and represented Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joined the Atlanta Braves as a special assistant for major-league operations in December, reported Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
Diaz, a free agent after the 2025 season joined the Dodgers after signing a three-year, $69 million contract. This season he had a 10.50 ERA in seven appearances before he ended up on the injured reserve list with an elbow injury. In April he had arthroscopic surgery to remove fragments of bone and cartilage from his right elbow and he is expected to return after the All-Star break in July.
Alexis Diaz, the younger brother of Edwin Diaz and a pitcher who spent four years with the Cincinnati Reds before ending up in the minor leagues this season, also apparently is linked to cockfighting. A post on the Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico Facebook page features a photo of Alexis Diaz and reports he was representing members of the Puerto Rico cockfighting arena in seeking to be crowned as undisputed champion of the Caribbean Grand Champion tournament.
In October 2024, WAPA-TV in Puerto Rico reported that Edwin Diaz and Alexis Diaz along with Reggaeton singer Wisin organized a charity event at the Puerto Rico Cockfighting Club in Isla Verde to benefit a child suffering from Duchesne muscular dystrophy. The report did not specify if the event included cockfighting.
A 2024 Facebook post advertising a cockfighting event includes a photo of Edwin Diaz wearing a Mets jersey and Alexis Diaz wearing a Reds jersey.
An April 4 post on Facebook states during fights that day at Club GallĂstico de Puerto Rico a rooster belonging Alexis Diaz died and a rooster belonging to Edwin Diaz won. Alexis Diaz also appears in a video on Facebook before a cockfight scheduled for January. Near the end of the video, Alexis Diaz's name was included among the participants in a list of matchups for the Gran Campeon Caribeno tournament on Jan. 27.
Currently, Alexis Diaz plays for the Round Rock Express, theTexas Ranger's Triple-A Pacific Coast League affiliate.
Rylan Kobre, who handles public relations for the Round Rock Express, referred USA TODAY Sports to the Texas Rangers. The Rangers did not reply to an email USA TODAY Sports sent to the team's communication department requesting a chance to talk to Diaz. A woman who answered a phone number for the Rangers' communications department said he would discuss the matter with colleagues but never responded to USA TODAY Sports' request.
Puerto Rico resists federal ban on cockfighting
In the blood sport of cockfighting, roosters are bred for aggression, placed in a small ring and encouraged to fight to the death, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Sharp spurs and knives are attached to the birdsâ feet and can puncture the brain, lungs, and other parts of the animal.
âBesides being cruel to animals, cockfighting is closely connected to other crimes such as gambling, drugs and acts of violence," the ASPCA reports on its website.
Cockfighting is a felony offense in all 50 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. It has been illegal since 2007, but not until 2018 did Congress close a loophole that allowed cockfighting to continue without penalty in Puerto Rico and other territories.
The ban went into effect in 2019, and Puerto Rico resisted. Politicians argued cockfighting was a cultural tradition on the island. During that period of time, a videotaped interview with Irad Ortiz posted on Facebook in April 2019 shows him standing in front of cases holding roosters.
In Spanish, Irad Ortiz answered questions about horse racing while the sound of buzzers could be heard. Buzzers are used to start a cockfight.
In 2020, a federal district court upheld the prohibition of cockfighting in Puerto Rico. In 2021, the Supreme Court refused to hear a legal challenge, leaving the ban in place.
Wayne Pacelle, founder and president of Animal Wellness Action, said enforcement of the ban has been anemic**.**
"This is one more gross failure of the Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division to enforce the law," said Pacelle.
Matthew Nies, a public affairs specialist for the DOJ, noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Investigations is the primary investigative agency and the FBI also investigates animal fighting ventures.
Limary Cruz-Rubio, a public affairs officer in San Juan with the DOJ and FBI, said the Police of Puerto Rico could be "perfectly within their authority to investigate.''
Kentucky agency investigates Ortiz brothers' cockfighting ties
Records obtained by USA TODAY Sports show Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation (KHRG), which regulates horse racing in Kentucky, conducted an investigation of Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz following reports they participated in a cockfighting event.
âThe investigation did not result in any action being taken by KHRG,"Â Ashleigh Bailey, Chief Legal Officer for the KHRG, told USA TODAY Sports by email.
The KHRG conducted a background check of Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz, according to records, and Bailey said KHRG stewards met Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz. Following the investigation, the stewards elected not to take administrative action against the brothers, according to Bailey.
It is unclear what the jockeys told the stewards about any involvement they have had with cockfighting.
"We will have no further comment on this matter at this time," Bailey told USA TODAY Sports by email.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which regulates thoroughbred horse racing in the United States, does not have the authority to investigate jockeys for conduct off the track, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said in April during the agency's annual town hall. She said such authority rests with racing commissions, which license jockeys.
No racing commission has announced disciplining the Ortiz brothers for involvement in cockfighting.
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, said it "is aware of the allegations that the Ortiz brothers, who ride mainly on the East Coast, attended a cock fight in Puerto Rico, but evidentiary and authority limitations prevent pursuing an investigation and complaint for CHRB Rule violations at this time.''
In U.S. thoroughbred racing, the Eclipse Awards are the top honors. Irad Ortiz is a five-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey and Jose Ortiz has won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey once.
PETA, citing the video posted on X in November 2025 that showed the Oritz brothers at a cockfighting event, sent a letter to the board members of the Eclipse Awards urging them to make Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz ineligible for future Eclipse award nominations.
In the letter dated Jan. 23, Kathy Guillermo, PETA senior vice president of equine matters, wrote, â⊠itâs stunning that past Eclipse Award winners participated in any way in the bloody, fight-to-the-death obscenity that is cockfighting.
âTheir actions are without question detrimental to racing. The public already sees whipping, illegal drug use, breakdowns, and the slaughter of Thoroughbreds as abusive. In addition to dealing with these life and death issues, the racing industry must not tolerate cruelty to any species by racing licensees."
Guillermo said she received no response from Eclipse Awards board members.
