What's happened
Tyler Skaggs died in 2019 from a fentanyl-laced pill provided by Angels' staffer Eric Kay. The team is being sued for $118 million in a civil trial, with testimonies from players including Mike Trout. The case examines team oversight and drug policies.
What's behind the headline?
The civil trial underscores the complex issue of team responsibility in player drug use. The testimonies reveal that Angels officials, including Mike Trout, suspected Kay's drug problems but failed to act decisively. The case exposes systemic lapses in team oversight, especially regarding Kay's access and behavior. The lawsuit's focus on negligence aims to hold the franchise accountable for enabling a known drug dealer within its ranks. This case will likely influence MLB's policies on drug testing and team accountability, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies. The case also raises questions about the culture of substance abuse in professional sports and the responsibility of teams to protect their players beyond the field.
What the papers say
The articles from The Independent, NY Post, and AP News provide a comprehensive view of the case, highlighting testimonies from Mike Trout and team officials, as well as the legal arguments. The Independent emphasizes the ongoing trial and the team's denial of knowledge about Skaggs' drug use. The NY Post details Trout's personal insights into Kay's behavior and the team's alleged negligence. AP News offers a broader overview of the legal proceedings and the implications for MLB policies. Contrasting perspectives include the team's insistence on ignorance versus the evidence of suspected drug problems among staff and players, illustrating the complex dynamics of accountability and oversight in professional sports.
How we got here
Skaggs died in 2019 during a team trip in Texas. His family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Angels, alleging negligence in allowing Eric Kay, convicted of drug dealing, access to players. Kay was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug use and team responsibility in MLB.
Go deeper
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Tyler Wayne Skaggs was an American professional baseball starting pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels selected Skaggs in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft.
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The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the city of Anaheim, California, part of Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
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Michael Nelson Trout is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. Trout is an eight-time MLB All-Star, three-time American League Most Valuable Player, and is a seven-time winner of the Silver Sl