[2/8] Pedro Martinez In Trouble For Cockfighting Involvement

[CRSone]

From The San Francisco Chronicle:
YouTube - Pedro Martinez cock fight cockfighting video

In the wake of the Michael Vick dogfighting case, animal rights activists have turned their attention to Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez and Giants Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, who made YouTube in a video showing them releasing two roosters for a cockfight.

The video shows the two laughing before serving as honorary soltadores, the word used to describe the person who releases the animal to fight. The fight, which Martinez told the Mets was contested at least two years ago, takes place in their home country, the Dominican Republic, where cockfighting is legal and the most popular sport. It is banned in the United States.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent letters to both pitchers Thursday, calling on them to publicly apologize. The Humane Society of the United States said, "Major League Baseball should join us in condemning Martinez and Marichal for their shameful example."

"I understand that people are upset, but this is part of our Dominican culture and is legal," Martinez said in a statement issued by the Mets. "I was invited by my idol, Juan Marichal, to attend the event as a spectator, not as a participant."

In the video, which was posted Tuesday but has since been taken down "due to terms of use violation," the animal released by Martinez appears to be killed at a fight in the Santo Domingo Cockfighting Coliseum.

PETA also sent a letter to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig urging all major-league players and staff to take its animal sensitivity training course.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society, released a statement, saying in part: "Animal fighting has no place whatsoever among those who presume to be role models for youngsters, not in this country and not elsewhere."

The Mets said in a statement that while they don't condone the sport, they understand it is part of other countries' cultures.