Chicago Cubs Aramis Ramirez Pleads The Fifth On Cockfighting

There’s no reason to talk about steroids infiltrating baseball when buzz-worthy professional ball players are partaking in blood-dripping, mortal combat between roosters. That’s what Aramis Ramirez is bringing to the table now that he’s been outed as a premier, head honcho of cockfighting. But don’t ask him any questions about the New York Times article that put the spotlight on his secret life. He’s as tight-lipped as steroid user in front of Congress.

It took only a minute or so before Ramirez was asked about cockfighting following a recent New York Times story revealed he was heavily into the sport, which is popular — and legal — in the Dominican Republic.
Reporter Gail Fischer of Comcast SportsNet began, “Aramis, a lot has been made about cockfighting …”
“I’ve got no … I’m not going to let you finish that question,” Ramirez interrupted. “I’m not going to talk about that. That’s personal. It’s a different culture down there. I’m from the Dominican. So let’s talk about baseball.”
I then asked Ramirez if he was surprised such a big deal was being made of his connection to cockfighting.
“I said I’m not going to talk about that,” he repeated. “Like I say, I’ve just got to say it’s a different culture in the Dominican, and that’s it.”

We understand, Aramis. It’s OK to make a six year old in Mexico work in a sweatshop and we need our t-shirts, so we understand. It’s just a different part of the world.
Ramirez speaks–as long as it’s not cockfighting [HardBall]
Image [MLB]