What Happened to Edwin Orlando Díaz Laboy?
Major League Baseball pitcher Edwin Díaz has recently been linked to illegal cockfighting events in his native Puerto Rico through social media posts and interviews in early 2026. Despite a federal ban on cockfighting since 2019, Díaz was reportedly pictured in his Dodgers uniform advertising tournaments and openly discussed his family's involvement, believing the activity to be legal. As of May 2026, no criminal charges have been filed, but the allegations could lead to disciplinary action from MLB under its personal conduct policy, while Díaz is currently on the injured list for an elbow injury.
Quick Answer
As of May 15, 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz is facing allegations of involvement in illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico. A USA Today investigation, published on May 14, 2026, revealed social media posts showing Díaz in his Dodgers uniform advertising cockfighting tournaments and an interview where he discussed his family's participation. While cockfighting has been federally banned since 2019, Díaz reportedly believed it was legal. No criminal charges have been filed, but MLB may impose discipline, and animal rights groups are expected to pressure the league. Díaz is currently recovering from elbow surgery and is expected to return to play after the All-Star break.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Federal Ban on Cockfighting Takes Effect
A federal law banning cockfighting in all U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico, goes into effect.
Supreme Court Upholds Federal Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear a challenge to the federal cockfighting ban, definitively upholding its legality.
Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers
Edwin Díaz signs a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent.
Appears in Cockfighting Advertisements
Social media posts surface showing Edwin Díaz in his Dodgers uniform advertising cockfighting tournaments in Puerto Rico.
Interview with El Nuevo Día Published
El Nuevo Día, a leading Puerto Rican newspaper, publishes an interview with Díaz where he discusses his family's involvement in cockfighting and states he believes it is legal.
Records First Save with Dodgers
Díaz earns his first save with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Placed on Injured List
Díaz is placed on the 15-day injured list by the Dodgers due to loose bodies in his right elbow after a difficult start to the season (10.50 ERA).
Undergoes Elbow Surgery
Díaz undergoes arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, with an expected return after the All-Star break.
Transferred to 60-day Injured List
The Dodgers transfer Díaz to the 60-day injured list, a procedural move to clear a roster spot, without changing his recovery timeline.
USA Today Investigation Published
USA Today publishes an investigation linking Edwin Díaz and prominent jockeys Jose and Irad Ortiz Jr. to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico.
Current Status: No Criminal Charges, MLB Review Pending
As of this date, no criminal charges have been filed against Díaz. MLB is reportedly reviewing the evidence, and animal rights groups are expected to advocate for disciplinary action.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Edwin Díaz, a three-time MLB All-Star pitcher, became the subject of controversy in May 2026 when a USA Today investigation linked him to illegal cockfighting events in Puerto Rico. The report, published on May 14, 2026, highlighted social media posts from February 2026 that allegedly showed Díaz in his Los Angeles Dodgers uniform advertising cockfighting tournaments. Further evidence included a March 2026 interview with the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día, where Díaz was quoted discussing his lifelong passion for cockfighting and his family's entry of four roosters into a recent tournament. He reportedly stated, "It's legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here".
The core of the controversy lies in the legality of cockfighting in Puerto Rico. While it has a long cultural history on the island, a federal ban on cockfighting in all U.S. states and territories went into effect in 2019. This ban was subsequently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021, making participation a potential federal crime with penalties up to five years in jail and a fine for participants, and one year in jail and a fine for spectators. Díaz's alleged comments suggest a misunderstanding or disregard for the federal law.
Key turning points in this developing story include the initial USA Today exposé, which brought the allegations to national attention, and the prior interview with El Nuevo Día, which provided direct quotes from Díaz regarding his involvement. The use of his official Dodgers uniform in promotional materials for illegal activities is particularly problematic, as it could constitute a significant breach of MLB's personal conduct standards. The scandal also extends beyond baseball, as champion horse jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. were also implicated in similar social media posts and alleged betting activities at cockfighting events.
The consequences for Díaz remain uncertain. As of May 15, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed against him. However, Major League Baseball's personal conduct policy grants the league broad authority to impose disciplinary measures, including suspensions or fines, regardless of legal outcomes. Animal rights organizations, such as PETA, are anticipated to exert pressure on MLB and the Dodgers to respond to the allegations of animal cruelty and illegal gambling. The Dodgers organization has not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.
In terms of his baseball career, Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2025. His 2026 season debut with the Dodgers has been challenging, marked by a 10.50 ERA over his first seven appearances. He was placed on the injured list on April 20, 2026, due to loose bodies in his right elbow and underwent surgery on April 22, 2026. He is currently on the 60-day injured list and is expected to return to action after the All-Star break. The cockfighting allegations add another layer of complexity to what has already been a difficult start to his tenure with the Dodgers.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Edwin Orlando Díaz Laboy made different choices?