Tyler Skaggs Wrongful-Death Civil Trial Concludes with Stunning Testimony
The Los Angeles Angels president, John Carpino, made a shocking statement on the final day of the Tyler Skaggs wrongful-death civil trial, describing the late pitcher as a “drug addict and a drug dealer.” This assertion came as a surprise to many, as the trial has been ongoing for weeks, with the Skaggs family seeking $118 million in damages from the Angels.
Carpino and senior vice president of finance/administration Molly Jolly both testified that they had no knowledge of Skaggs’ or Eric Kay’s experience with drugs. Kay, a former communications employee, was convicted in 2022 of giving Skaggs the fentanyl-laced pill that led to his death in 2019. The plaintiffs argue that the Angels were negligent in their failure to monitor and discipline Kay, despite being aware of his drug addiction.
Testimony and Evidence
During the trial, multiple players admitted to receiving pills from Skaggs and Kay, but no evidence was presented to suggest that Skaggs sold illicit drugs. The defense’s addiction expert, Dr. Elie Aoun, testified that Skaggs had an “active addiction that persisted up until the time of his death.” Aoun also stated that when an addict admits to taking drugs publicly, it is typically “just the tip of the iceberg” of their usage.
Carpino’s testimony was limited to the final 12 minutes of the trial, and he asserted that the Angels did not believe Kay had proper representation during his criminal trial. The franchise has paid at least some of Kay’s legal fees to challenge his imprisonment. The jury is expected to begin deliberations as early as Monday afternoon.
Angels’ Defense Strategy
Throughout the trial, the Angels have maintained that they were unaware of Skaggs’ or Kay’s drug usage and that Kay was operating outside the scope of his duties. They have argued that it was Skaggs’ reckless decisions that led to his death, and not the team’s fault. The plaintiffs, however, claim that the Angels knew about Kay’s drug addiction and continued to employ him, putting Skaggs in harm’s way.
The trial has been ongoing since mid-October, with the defense complaining about the limited time to present their case. Lead defense attorney Todd Theodora stated that he had to cut multiple witnesses from his plan to fit the trial schedule. The judge determined that Friday would be the last day of testimony.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The conclusion of the trial marks a significant milestone in the Skaggs family’s pursuit of justice. The jury’s verdict will determine whether the Angels were negligent in their handling of Kay and whether they are liable for Skaggs’ death. As the case comes to a close, it is clear that the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the baseball community and beyond.
According to ESPN, the trial has sparked a national conversation about addiction, accountability, and the responsibilities of employers. As the jury deliberates, the nation waits with bated breath for the verdict, which will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of those involved and the broader sports community.
