Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez, as well as the Mets organization, made statements about the video of Martinez appearing at a cockfighting event in the Dominican Republic.
From Pedro Martinez: "I understand that people are upset, but this is part of our Dominican culture and is legal in the Dominican Republic. I was invited by my idol Juan Marichal to attend the event as a spectator, not as a participant."
From the Mets: "We do not condone any behavior that involves cruelty to animals. We understand, however, that in many other countries, activities such as bull-fighting and cock-fighting are both legal and part of the culture."
Additionally, the video, they say, is two years old (not that it changes what it shows or the fact that it was worth slipping a huge graphic about it into Lost last night). Here it is - please be warned, it may be disturbing to some readers.
The Humane Society weighed in, with president Wayne Pacelle saying, "It doesn't excuse the behavior to find a legal haven for this reprehensible and inhumane conduct. It's animal cruelty, no matter where it occurs. Animal fighting has no place whatsoever among those who presume to be role models for youngsters. Not in this country, and not elsewhere."
