Edwin Diaz Responds to Cockfighting Allegations
On Sunday, Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz spoke out for the first time about earlier reports linking him to cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico. He firmly stated that he was not engaged in any illegal actions and hadn’t received any communication from MLB regarding the matter.
“Right now, my focus is on helping this team win, and I want to return to the field as soon as I can,” Diaz shared after his initial live batting practice since undergoing surgery to remove a loose body in his elbow back in April.
“I don’t give much thought to those reports,” he said regarding the cockfighting allegations. “That’s all behind me.” In May, it was reported that Diaz had allegedly been photographed at a cockfighting venue in Puerto Rico, an event that raised eyebrows due to the ongoing ban on cockfighting since 2019 across all U.S. territories. Nonetheless, some local officials in Puerto Rico have sought ways to maintain this traditional practice.
Diaz reiterated, “As I mentioned earlier, it’s legal in Puerto Rico,” emphasizing the complex cultural context surrounding the issue. Due to this nuance, the chances of MLB taking action seemed slim, and the Dodgers, who brought him on for $69 million in the offseason, expressed confidence that this situation wouldn’t lead to any adverse consequences.
“They didn’t reach out to me since I haven’t done anything illegal. Ultimately, I just want to help this team,” Diaz remarked.
Having been sidelined since his elbow procedure, Diaz reported improvements in his rehabilitation. The live batting practice was a significant milestone in his recovery.
“It felt fantastic,” he said. “Finally getting back on the mound felt really good. I was able to throw some solid pitches, marking a positive development.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Diaz would soon enter a minor league rehab assignment, setting him up for a return after the All-Star break.
At 32, Diaz had struggled with elbow issues earlier this season, recording a 10.50 ERA before his diagnosis. But now, he believes those challenges, much like the cockfighting discussions, are behind him. “I feel great,” he stated, “much better than I did earlier in the season.”
