Trial Begins in Tyler Skaggs Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Why this matters: This trial could set a precedent for team responsibility regarding player health and safety. The outcome will significantly impact how MLB teams address drug use and supervision within their organizations.

Tyler Skaggs, a promising left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, was found dead in his hotel room on July 1, 2019, due to a drug overdose. The Tarrant County medical examiner reported that Skaggs had a mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone in his system, leading to asphyxia. Eric Kay, the Angels' communications director, was later convicted of providing Skaggs with the fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill that caused his death. The Skaggs family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels, alleging the team knew or should have known about Kay's drug distribution to players. The trial will examine the extent of the Angels' knowledge and oversight, as well as Skaggs' own role in his substance abuse. The outcome hinges on whether the team was negligent in supervising Kay and preventing Skaggs' access to drugs. The trial is expected to delve into the team's internal policies, past incidents, and testimonies from players and executives. The trial began in Orange County Superior Court after settlement talks failed. Lawyers for the Skaggs family originally sought $210 million, but a claim by Angels lawyer Todd Theodora in a hearing this summer that the plaintiffs were asking for $1 billion was shot down last week by a person in the Skaggs camp who said “we are not asking anywhere remotely close to that.”

The lawsuit alleges that the Los Angeles Angels knew or should have known that Eric Kay was providing drugs to Tyler Skaggs and other players.

The Angels argue that Kay was not acting within the scope of his employment and that Skaggs was comparatively negligent due to his substance abuse issues.

Eric Kay, the Angels' communications director, was convicted of providing Skaggs with the fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill that led to his fatal overdose.

The Skaggs family is seeking damages including Skaggs' projected future earnings and compensation for the pain and anguish they have suffered.

The Tyler Skaggs wrongful death trial highlights the responsibilities sports teams have towards their players' health and well-being. The trial's outcome may influence how teams handle drug use and supervision. Key actions to consider include understanding the risks, and following the trial's developments. The most important insight is the potential for teams to be held accountable for negligence related to player safety.

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