Another social media advertisement reportedly promoted Jose and Irad as participants in a cockfighting tournament known as the “Gran Campeón Caribeño,” or Caribbean Grand Champion. “Meet the Participants …,” translated text reportedly read before describing the brothers as elite horse racers who also “harbor a passion for fighting cocks.” The ad reportedly called it an “honor” to have the brothers competing in the venue

Video Appears To Show Ortiz Brothers Collecting Money

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The report also pointed to a video posted on X in late 2025 that allegedly appears to show the Ortiz brothers collecting money from the betting crowd inside Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a cockfighting facility in Puerto Rico. Additional photos allegedly showed the brothers posing at the same venue in images posted to Instagram with location tags matching the arena featured in the video.

The timing of the allegations has drawn even more attention, given the brothers’ recent spotlight moment at Churchill Downs, where they competed against one another in a thrilling Kentucky Derby finish just weeks ago. With both expected to ride in the May 16 Preakness Stakes, questions surrounding the report could follow them into one of horse racing’s biggest weekends.

Edwin Díaz Also Allegedly Promoted At Cockfighting Events

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The controversy does not stop with the Ortiz brothers. Three-time MLB All-Star Edwin Díaz, who currently pitches for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has also reportedly been linked to cockfighting tournaments through social media advertisements and public appearances.

According to USA TODAY Sports, Facebook posts from Puerto Rican cockfighting clubs featured Díaz in his Dodgers uniform while promoting tournaments and a tribute event centered around the athlete.

One translated advertisement reportedly read, “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 Puerto Rican Star and Cockfighter Edwin ‘Sugar’ Díaz.”

A second promotional post allegedly advertised opportunities for fans to take photos and get autographs from Díaz during a tournament event.

Edwin Díaz Previously Called Cockfighting A ‘Pastime’

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Díaz has also publicly spoken about cockfighting in the past. According to reporting from Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día, Díaz was photographed inside a cockfighting arena earlier this year during a tournament where members of his family reportedly entered four roosters into competition.

“It’s a pastime I’ve followed since I was a child,” Díaz reportedly said at the time. “It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.” The comment raised eyebrows because, while cockfighting remains culturally significant to many in Puerto Rico, federal law outlawed the activity in all U.S. territories in 2019.

Cockfighting Carries Serious Federal Penalties

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Despite its long history on the island, participating in cockfighting can now carry steep legal consequences. Federal law reportedly allows penalties of up to five years in prison and fines for participants, while spectators can face up to one year in prison along with financial penalties.

So far, neither Jose Ortiz nor Irad Ortiz Jr. has publicly responded to the allegations. Diaz has also not commented on the latest reports.

The MLB Pitcher, Kentucky Derby Stars Linked To Illegal Cockfighting first appeared on The Blast