Mike Trout Alerted to Eric Kay’s Potential Drug Abuse

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout provided significant testimony regarding the potential drug abuse of Eric Kay, the team’s former communications director. Trout’s remarks came during a civil trial concerning the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of the late pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

Details from Trout’s Testimony

During his testimony, Trout stated that a team employee had warned him about possible drug abuse issues surrounding Kay prior to Skaggs’ accidental overdose in 2019. He recalled confronting Kay directly, urging him to consider the impact of his actions on his family, notably mentioning Kay’s children at home.

This legal case is pivotal for the Skaggs family, who are pursuing $118 million from the Angels, alleging that the organization overlooked Kay’s apparent drug problems, thus exacerbating the risks posed to players like Skaggs.

Key Testimony Highlights

• Mike Trout is an 11-time All-Star and the first player from the Angels to testify in this civil trial.
• Trout highlighted incidents that showcased Kay’s bizarre behavior linked to drug use.
• Testimony evoked emotional responses, especially from Skaggs’ family present in the courtroom.

Context of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit claims that the Angels violated their own policies by retaining Kay despite known behavioral issues. Previous testimonies from team officials, including communications VP Tim Mead and traveling secretary Tom Taylor, suggested they either were unaware or had only superficial knowledge of Kay’s drug habits.

Moreover, the Skaggs family cites reports from ESPN indicating that team executives were aware of Kay’s drug dealings and that he had allegedly supplied drugs to other Angels players prior to Skaggs’ tragic death.

Kay’s Criminal Background

• Eric Kay is currently serving a 22-year federal prison sentence for providing fentanyl-laced oxycodone that led to Skaggs’ death.
• The defense lawyer for the Angels argues that the team had no knowledge of Kay’s illegal activities and claims that Skaggs willingly engaged in drug use.

Aftermath and Emotional Repercussions

Trout revealed that he was shocked to learn about the extent of drug use among teammates, despite his close ties with Skaggs. During the trial, he recounted their last encounter and the emotional turmoil that followed the tragic news of Skaggs’ passing.

The trial will continue to explore the responsibilities of the Angels organization concerning Kay’s conduct and the dire consequences it had on Skaggs and his family. As the proceedings unfold, the implications of this case may extend beyond the court, affecting how sports organizations manage similar issues in the future.