This blog digs into the latest twists in the wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs. The case—already emotional and tense—got even messier when the Skaggs family’s lawyers accused a key team executive of lying on the witness stand.
There’s disputed testimony, legal chess moves, and some honestly gut-wrenching stories from people who knew Skaggs. The trial keeps raising tough questions about Skaggs’ tragic death and what role, if any, the Angels organization played in it.
Accusations of Perjury Shake the Courtroom
The big moment Wednesday came when Skaggs family attorney Rusty Hardin said Angels vice president Deborah Johnston lied under oath. Hardin argued that Johnston falsely claimed the Angels reported former communications director Eric Kay’s drug use to Major League Baseball and worked with the league to test and treat him.
MLB flat-out denied any such coordination. That denial pushed Hardin to request a mid-trial subpoena for league officials, hoping to get the real story. Johnston insisted MLB got involved through a team doctor, basing her claim on a recent review of text messages. Angels attorney Todd Theodora stood by her and defended her account.
The Judge’s Position on the Dispute
With tempers flaring, the judge decided to pause the hearings for a day. This break gave everyone time to consider Hardin’s claims about perjury.
The recess really underscored how serious the accusation was and what it could mean for the case’s credibility.
Testimonies Shed Light on Skaggs’ Life and Career
Witnesses that day came from all corners—former teammates, financial advisors, family. Each one painted a different angle of who Tyler Skaggs was, both on and off the field.
Ty Buttrey: A Teammate’s Perspective
Former Angels pitcher Ty Buttrey called Skaggs a natural leader in the clubhouse and insisted he wasn’t a drug addict. Buttrey talked about Skaggs’ steady emotions and his absolute commitment to baseball.
He pushed back against any idea that Skaggs was reckless with his health or career.
Financial Testimony from Jeff Fishman
Financial advisor Jeff Fishman said Skaggs was financially smart and knew the long-term potential of his career. Fishman admitted drug use could’ve messed up those plans, but he stressed that Tyler was preparing for real, lasting success in baseball.
A Father’s Emotional Words
Darrell Skaggs, Tyler’s father, appeared via Zoom from a hospital bed. He shared stories about his son’s character, their close bond, and Tyler’s dreams—including starting a family someday.
His testimony added emotional weight, reminding everyone that behind all the legal arguing, there’s the loss of a young man’s life.
Revisiting Past Struggles
During cross-examination, Darrell confirmed the family staged an intervention in 2013 for Tyler’s Percocet use. He also admitted he sent Tyler a “tough-love” text in 2017 about his career.
Darrell explained the text partly as an inside joke, just how their family handled both serious and lighter moments.
What’s Next in the Trial
The trial picks up again after a short recess. The judge still hasn’t decided on subpoenas for MLB officials, and that choice could shake things up.
If the judge approves the subpoenas, new evidence might come in. That could really test the stories offered by the defense.
This lawsuit isn’t just about the Skaggs family. It forces Major League Baseball and other leagues to face tough questions about drug use, player welfare, and how they communicate internally.
People across the country, not just sports fans, are watching. No one’s sure what the verdict will mean for Tyler Skaggs, or if it’ll feel like justice, but the case keeps pushing the conversation on responsibility and athlete safety.
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Here is the source article for this story: Skaggs attorney accuses Angels VP of perjury, plans to subpoena MLB
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