As Los Angeles Dodgers star reliever Edwin Diaz works his way back from injury, he now finds himself entangled in a serious off-field controversy. According to a report from USA Today, Diaz is among several athletes implicated in an illegal cockfighting ring operating in Puerto Rico. While no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made, the allegations have cast a shadow over the three-time All-Star's season.
The story first surfaced when Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia published an article in March quoting Diaz about his involvement in the blood sport. Translated from Spanish, Diaz said, “It’s a pastime I’ve followed since I was a child. It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.” However, cockfighting has been illegal in the U.S. territory since 2019, and federal law bans it across all states and territories.
Promotional materials showing Diaz attending a cockfighting tournament while wearing his Dodgers uniform have reignited public interest in the case. Jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz have been linked to the same operation for about six months, but Diaz's alleged involvement only recently came to light through these old images.
Cockfighting remains a deeply rooted cultural tradition in Puerto Rico, often viewed as a source of national pride. Yet the law is clear: participation can lead to up to five years in prison, and even spectators face up to a year behind bars. The penalties underscore the seriousness of the allegations against Diaz and the others.
Known as “Sugar” on the mound, Diaz first made a name for himself with the Seattle Mariners in 2018, leading the league with 57 saves. After a trade to the New York Mets, he became one of baseball's most dominant closers, posting a career-best 1.31 ERA in 2022 and finishing ninth in Cy Young voting. An injury suffered during the World Baseball Classic cost him the 2023 season, and while he wasn't quite the same in 2024, he rebounded to earn another All-Star nod in 2025 before hitting free agency.
This past December, Diaz inked a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, and he's already collected four saves in six appearances this season. But now, his focus may be split between baseball and a legal situation that could have serious repercussions.
The Dodgers have not issued a public statement regarding the allegations, but the team is likely monitoring the situation closely. The controversy also raises questions about how MLB handles player conduct off the field and whether the league will investigate.
For Diaz, the coming weeks could be pivotal. If authorities decide to press charges, the star reliever could face not only legal trouble but also potential discipline from Major League Baseball. For now, he remains active on the Dodgers roster, but the cloud over his head is growing darker by the day.
