Lawyers Dispute Angels’ Alleged Involvement in Tyler Skaggs’ Death
A civil trial examining the alleged responsibility of the Los Angeles Angels in Tyler Skaggs’ overdose death continues to draw significant attention. The late pitcher died in 2019 after ingesting a fentanyl-laced pill while on a team trip to Texas. The trial’s closing arguments were made recently in Santa Ana, California, with lawyers presenting starkly different narratives regarding the team’s actions leading up to his death.
Lawyers Dispute Angels’ Role in Tyler Skaggs’ Death
The family of Tyler Skaggs is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels, claiming the organization failed to investigate reports of drug use by Eric Kay, the team’s communications director. Skaggs’ lawyer, Daniel Dutko, contended that the Angels knew about Kay’s substance abuse and that his employment allowed him continued access to players.
The Arguments Presented
- Family’s Position: Dutko stated that team officials ignored critical signs of Kay’s addiction and failed to take action when he was hospitalized for a drug overdose. He argued that Kay’s role involved ensuring player satisfaction through various means, including obtaining prescription medications.
- Angels’ Defense: Angels attorney Todd Theodora claimed that Skaggs himself engaged in drug use and pressured others for pills, arguing that the team had no knowledge of him being a painkiller addict.
The defense highlighted that Skaggs concealed his drug use from the organization, engaging in illegal activities to protect his MLB career. Theodora stated that Skaggs willingly took the drugs and did not disclose his issues, even to close family members.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Tyler Skaggs’ Death | July 1, 2019 |
| Eric Kay Convicted | 2022 |
Months after Skaggs’ death, a coroner’s report indicated that a mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone was present in his system at the time of death. Witnesses in the trial included notable figures like Angels outfielder Mike Trout and team president John Carpino. They testified about Kay’s erratic behavior and the toxic environment that potentially contributed to Skaggs’ tragic end.
Potential Financial Implications
The Skaggs family is seeking substantial damages, estimating lost earnings could have exceeded $100 million had he remained healthy. In contrast, estimates from team-hired experts suggest a maximum of $32 million in potential earnings. This case highlights broader concerns about drug use in professional sports and the responsibility of organizations to safeguard their players.
As the trial unfolds, the implications for both the Angels and the baseball community are significant, sparking discourse on player health and organizational accountability.
