Professional Athletes Accused of Taking Part in Illegal Cockfighting

May 15, 2026, 15:45
Latin AmericaSports

Introduction

Several famous sports stars, including professional jockeys and a Major League Baseball player, have been linked to illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico.

Main Body

The controversy focuses on Jose Ortiz, Irad Ortiz Jr., and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz. These athletes are accused of participating in cockfighting events, which have been illegal under federal law since 2019. If these claims are proven true, the participants could face serious federal penalties, including fines and up to five years in prison, while spectators could be jailed for up to one year. Evidence from reports includes social media posts and advertisements. For example, the Ortiz brothers appear in photos with gamecocks and in videos collecting betting money. Additionally, promotional materials for a tournament described the jockeys as participants. Regarding Edwin Díaz, his image was used in promotional graphics for cockfighting clubs. In a March 2026 interview, Díaz admitted that his family entered four roosters into a tournament, claiming it was a lifelong hobby and wrongly stating that it was legal. These allegations may lead to different consequences depending on the sport. While the Ortiz brothers are still scheduled to compete in the Preakness Stakes, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball may investigate the matter under the league's personal conduct policy. Furthermore, because animal welfare is a sensitive issue in Los Angeles, the team faces a significant risk to its public reputation.

Conclusion

The athletes have not given official responses to these claims, and no criminal charges have been filed yet.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Leap': Moving from Simple to Sophisticated Verbs

At the A2 level, you likely use words like say, do, and give. To reach B2, you need Precise Verbs. Look at how this article replaces basic words with high-impact language:

1. Instead of "Say" →\rightarrow Claim or Admit

  • Basic: He said it was a hobby.
  • B2 Level: He admitted that it was a hobby.
  • Why? "Admit" tells us the person is confessing something they perhaps didn't want to say. It adds a layer of meaning that "say" misses.

2. Instead of "Get/Receive" →\rightarrow Face

  • Basic: They might get a prison sentence.
  • B2 Level: Participants could face serious federal penalties.
  • Why? In professional English, we "face" consequences or risks. It describes a situation where something negative is coming toward you.

3. Instead of "Connect" →\rightarrow Link

  • Basic: The stars are connected to illegal acts.
  • B2 Level: Sports stars have been linked to illegal activities.
  • Why? "Linked" is the standard term for legal or investigative contexts.

🛠️ Grammar Power-Up: The "Passive Connection"

Notice the phrase: "...his image was used in promotional graphics."

As an A2 student, you usually say who did the action: "The club used his image."

B2 Secret: When the object (the image) is more important than the person who did it, we use the Passive Voice. This makes your writing sound objective and journalistic.

Quick Shift:

  • A2: Someone filed charges. →\rightarrow B2: Charges have been filed.
  • A2: The league is investigating it. →\rightarrow B2: The matter may be investigated.

Vocabulary Learning

controversy (n.)
A public disagreement or debate about a particular issue.
Example:The controversy over the new policy sparked protests across the city.
participants (n.)
People who take part in an event or activity.
Example:The participants in the marathon finished in record time.
illegal (adj.)
Not allowed by law.
Example:He was arrested for illegal possession of firearms.
federal (adj.)
Relating to the national government.
Example:Federal law requires all schools to report incidents.
penalties (n.)
Punishments imposed for breaking rules or laws.
Example:The company faced heavy penalties for environmental violations.
fines (n.)
Money paid as a penalty for breaking rules.
Example:She had to pay a fine for driving without a license.
prison (n.)
A place where people are kept as punishment for crimes.
Example:He was sentenced to prison for five years.
evidence (n.)
Information that helps prove something.
Example:The detective collected evidence to solve the case.
reports (n.)
Documents or articles that describe events.
Example:The reports showed a decline in sales.
advertisements (n.)
Paid announcements or notices in media.
Example:The advertisements for the new phone were everywhere.
promotional (adj.)
Relating to advertising or marketing.
Example:The promotional campaign increased brand awareness.
tournament (n.)
A competition involving many participants.
Example:The chess tournament attracted players from around the world.
jockeys (n.)
Professional horse riders.
Example:The jockeys celebrated after winning the race.
graphics (n.)
Images or visual representations.
Example:The graphics on the website were very attractive.
interview (n.)
A formal conversation to gather information.
Example:The journalist conducted an interview with the mayor.
admitted (v.)
To confess or acknowledge something.
Example:He admitted that he had made a mistake.
hobby (n.)
An activity done for pleasure.
Example:Collecting stamps is her hobby.
allegations (n.)
Claims that someone has done something wrong.
Example:The allegations against the politician were investigated.
consequences (n.)
Results or effects of an action.
Example:The consequences of skipping school can be serious.
investigate (v.)
To look into or examine something closely.
Example:The police will investigate the accident.
personal conduct (n.)
The way a person behaves in private or public.
Example:The company has a strict policy on personal conduct.
animal welfare (n.)
The well-being and treatment of animals.
Example:Animal welfare organizations advocate for better care.
sensitive (adj.)
Easily affected or upset; requiring careful handling.
Example:The topic is sensitive and should be approached with care.
reputation (n.)
The general opinion about someone or something.
Example:Her reputation for honesty grew after the incident.
official responses (n.)
Formal answers or statements from authorities.
Example:The official responses to the crisis were delayed.
criminal charges (n.)
Formal accusations of committing a crime.
Example:He faced criminal charges for fraud.