Angels Resolve Skaggs Family Lawsuit Over Pitcher’s Fatal Overdose
The Los Angeles Angels have reached a confidential settlement regarding a lawsuit linked to the overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. This resolution comes after a lengthy civil trial that scrutinized the team’s responsibilities in Skaggs’ passing in 2019.
Background of the Case
Tyler Skaggs was found dead in a hotel room in Texas. The tragic event occurred just before a scheduled game against the Texas Rangers. A coroner’s report indicated that Skaggs died from asphyxiation, compounded by the presence of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone in his system.
Key Players and Events
- Tyler Skaggs: The Angels pitcher whose death spurred the lawsuit.
- Eric Kay: The communications director for the Angels, convicted of providing Skaggs with fentanyl-laced pills.
- Carli Skaggs: Skaggs’ widow, who, along with his parents, filed the lawsuit.
- Court Rulings: Judge H. Shaina Colover oversaw the trial in Santa Ana, California.
Details of the Settlement
The parties reached a settlement after a jury began deliberations on the case. Although the terms remain confidential, the Skaggs family expressed gratitude for the jury’s commitment and hope that Major League Baseball (MLB) will implement changes to prevent similar tragedies.
Implications for MLB and Team Policies
The Skaggs family asserted that the Angels knew or should have known about Kay’s drug-related activities. Their claim suggests a failure in the organizational oversight for player safety. The Angels maintained that they were unaware of Skaggs’ drug use and would have intervened had they known.
Criminal Convictions and Testimonies
In 2022, Eric Kay was convicted related to Skaggs’ death and is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence. Testimony during the trial revealed that multiple MLB players received drugs from Kay. Player Mike Trout and Angels’ president John Carpino were among those who testified.
Financial Controversy
Discussions in the courtroom also touched on Skaggs’ potential future earnings, with estimates ranging significantly. Plaintiffs’ experts suggested he might have earned between $91 million and $101 million, while the Angels estimated his potential earnings to be around $32 million.
Post-Settlement Developments
The aftermath of this lawsuit has prompted MLB to introduce opioid testing protocols. These measures aim to ensure player health and safety moving forward.
Conclusion
This settlement marks the end of a six-year legal ordeal for the Skaggs family. They hope that the awareness raised during the trial will lead to improved practices within MLB franchises.
