UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Los Angeles Angels president John Carpino declared during the final day of testimony in the Tyler Skaggs wrongful-death trial that the late pitcher was a “drug addict and a drug dealer.” This statement, made on October 27, 2023, intensifies the already heated courtroom proceedings as Skaggs’ family seeks $118 million in damages, claiming negligence on the part of the Angels.
The trial, which has captivated the sports world, is centered around the tragic death of Tyler Skaggs from a fentanyl-laced pill on July 1, 2019. Skaggs’ family argues that the Angels failed to adequately monitor Eric Kay, the communications employee who provided the fatal drugs. In a rapid-fire exchange during cross-examination, lead plaintiffs attorney Rusty Hardin pressed Carpino on the Angels’ portrayal of Skaggs as the instigator of his own demise.
“Throughout this case of the last six years, the Angels have taken the position that Tyler Skaggs is the bad guy,” Hardin asserted. Carpino responded, “Tyler Skaggs was a drug addict and a drug dealer, and Eric Kay was distributing drugs and a drug addict as well.”
Carpino’s comments contradict earlier testimonies during the trial, where multiple players admitted to receiving pills from Skaggs and Kay, yet no solid evidence surfaced showing that Skaggs sold illicit drugs. Kay was convicted in federal court in 2022 for supplying Skaggs with the drugs that led to his death.
As the trial nears its conclusion, the urgency in the courtroom is palpable. Jurors could begin deliberations as early as Monday afternoon, following closing arguments. The defense has struggled to present a comprehensive case, with lead attorney Todd Theodora stating he had to cut several witnesses due to time constraints set by the court.
Adding fuel to the fire, defense addiction expert Dr. Elie Aoun testified that Skaggs exhibited signs of an active addiction up until his death, suggesting that public admissions of drug use often conceal deeper issues. Meanwhile, Molly Jolly, senior vice president of finance/administration, claimed that she was unaware of Kay’s drug issues, stating, “Had I known, I would have reported the issue to Major League Baseball and helped Kay to get clean.”
The Angels did not report Kay’s involvement until weeks after Skaggs’ death, raising questions about the organization’s oversight. They argue that Skaggs’ reckless choices were responsible for his passing, distancing themselves from liability.
As the clock ticks down on this high-profile case, all eyes are on the jury. The outcome could set a significant precedent regarding corporate responsibility in professional sports, especially concerning player health and safety.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
