Pedro Martinez caught heat when a video surfaced on YouTube of him appearing at a cockfight a couple of years ago. But while cockfighting is prohibited throughout most of the U.S., it's not only legal but also something of a national pastime in the Dominican Republic. And as you'd expect, Martinez isn't the only Dominican ballplayer with a passion for the "sport." From the New York Times (via The Postmen)With 99 Dominicans playing in the major leagues in 2007, baseball is easily the country's most popular sport. But many said cockfighting ranks second.Wait, there's such a thing as a cockfighting magazine? Why am I guessing the Cubs' PR department won't be passing out copies of that article to reporters this spring?
Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramírez is prominently featured in a recent issue of a Dominican cockfighting magazine, En La Traba, in which he is pictured with several roosters that he raises for fighting. Of roosters, he said in the magazine, "When I'm in the Dominican Republic, I'm dedicated entirely to them."
Also on FanHouse:
Pedro Martinez Almost Apologizes for Cockfighting Video
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 8)
1. I'm surprised that this lethargic bum is "dedicated" to anythings.
Posted at 11:03PM on Feb 14th 2008 by James Nyka
2. Cock fighting is as bad as dog fighting. Why then is it overlooked by people who are so vocal about the Michael Vick Scandal. I guess some people like dogs more than they like cock.
Posted at 2:09PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Zaphod
3. Why do these people think it is ok to just kill off anything??? Cock fighting, dog fighting, cage fighting, other people, OH PLEASE. What's wrong with you folks. How about some peaceful things going on. Why do people have to be so violent??
Posted at 2:13PM on Feb 15th 2008 by sharon
4. Cockfighting and dogfighting don't equate to be the same type/level of sport. Roosters are naturally mean and aggressive. We've tried to breed that out of dogs. We get comfort and love from dogs. The only time I get comfort from a chicken is when it is batter-dipped, deep-fried and on the plate beside the mashed potatoes!
Posted at 2:17PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Dutchthunder
5. To: Zaphod.... There's a huge difference between dog fighting and cock fighting... one is legal and one is illegal. (Cock fighting is legal in Puerto Rico and in Dom.Rep.)
What's the difference between marijuana and tobacco? One's legal and one isn't.
Posted at 2:18PM on Feb 15th 2008 by John S. Adams
6. he likes to have his cock go against another cock....im not one to judge..
Posted at 2:23PM on Feb 15th 2008 by sam
7. gey 'em out of this country
Posted at 2:27PM on Feb 15th 2008 by zeus aphrodite
8. I dont know about the rest of you guys but my cock is a lover not a fighter !lol
Posted at 2:34PM on Feb 15th 2008 by mike Hunt
9. Jane Fonda used the other word.
Posted at 2:34PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Chaz
10. Unfortunately, this man has no respect for animals or the cruelty of this disgusting activity. Perhaps they can have him share a cell with Michael Vick.
Posted at 2:36PM on Feb 15th 2008 by clmeastcoast
11. Someone tell Ramirez he is not in the Dominican Republic anymore. However, he is free to go back if he prefers life there to the US.
Also, we should stop sending food aid to third world countries that take such pleasure in destroying what apparently is an abundant food source.
Posted at 2:37PM on Feb 15th 2008 by michelle
12. So what? Yes maybe we dont like it, but it is not happening here. Even if we think it is wrong, it is another countries culture and not ours. Maybe other countries think slaughters millions of turkeys for Thanksgiving is cruel. Bottom line it is not our place to be critics. How about bringing media attention to real HUMAN wrong doings in the world
Posted at 2:40PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Karl
13. Cockfighting is just as bad as dog fighting! Get rid of this idiot! Who needs him!! People like this are worse than animals.
Posted at 2:53PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Linda Heath
14. Some people do not understand the "cockfighting" because is a cultural thing. You must be hispanic or from the islands to understand it. We do not question North America hobbies or way of doing things becaause we do not try to change cultural things, we just accept them.
Posted at 2:54PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Ana
15. How is this a SPORT??!!!
Posted at 2:54PM on Feb 15th 2008 by BlueDog
16. I have learned a lot about people and their pets on line. Here is where dogfighting and cock fighting are different. As a person who spends a lot of time on online dating, I have learned that: Most women like dogs. If you will put up with their dogs they will put up with your cock, and may let you pet their pussies. These women will fiercely defend their dogs. They will not defend your cock. If you dog fight, you will feel women's wrath. If you cock fight, you will not get to stroke their pussies.
Posted at 2:55PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Rick
17. What goes on in other countries we can do nothing about. You bet your a** though, that man has been to ILLEGAL cockfights in the United States. Guaranteed. In my opinion is cruel, and I think we should start a national dumba** fighting league so all of the dumba**e* can duke it out. At least then we'd be rid of them.
Posted at 2:57PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Jennifer
18. Their is nothing wrong with cock fighting. Dog fighting on the other hand is wrong. Cause you make two dogs fight each other by beating them or starvein them. But roosters on the other hand you put two roosters together in a hen house and their going to fight to the death to show male dominants. I know this cause I've been around them all my life.
Posted at 3:00PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Matthew Hamilton
19. I'd like to put his cock in a ring and have a rooster bite it off,that is cruel to animals and NOT A SPORT !!!!!
Posted at 3:09PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Mary
20. Cocks = Chicken= Poultry= FOOD. Who cares?
Posted at 3:12PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Hiltes