Mike Trout Testifies in Lawsuit Over Tyler Skaggs’ Overdose Death

This blog post dives into the emotional testimony of Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout during a civil trial over the tragic 2019 overdose death of his teammate Tyler Skaggs. Skaggs’s family brought the lawsuit, claiming the Angels organization didn’t do enough to prevent opioid access for players—especially through their former communications director, Eric Kay, who’s already been criminally convicted in connection with Skaggs’s death.

This high-profile case brings back the pain of losing a promising pitcher. It also stirs up tough questions about accountability, drug prevention, and what really goes on inside pro sports locker rooms.

Mike Trout’s Emotional Testimony in Court

When Mike Trout took the stand, you could see how much the tragedy weighed on him. He called Skaggs “like a brother” and remembered their shared journey, starting when both got drafted by the Angels in 2009.

Their friendship ran deeper than just baseball. Trout described a teammate who, at least from his perspective, didn’t show any obvious signs of drug use.

Concerns About Eric Kay’s Behavior

Trout did mention one unsettling encounter with Eric Kay, the team’s communications director back then. He said Kay once showed up “wired and sweating,” which made Trout suspect drug use.

Trout offered Kay help, but it’s unclear if he ever took his concerns to team management. That detail matters, since the lawsuit argues Kay’s unchecked access to players made it easier for drugs to circulate within the organization.

The Family’s Case Against the Angels

Skaggs’s wife and parents are seeking $118 million in damages, covering lost earnings, emotional pain, and punitive penalties. They argue the Angels should’ve done more to monitor and step in with Kay and the players, especially when there were hints of possible substance abuse.

Accusations of Organizational Negligence

The family’s attorneys say the Angels failed in their duty of care by letting Kay keep access to the clubhouse despite concerns. They believe this neglect set up an environment where Skaggs could get dangerous substances that ultimately contributed to his death.

This narrative puts Major League Baseball’s approach to player health and safety under a microscope, especially when it comes to drug awareness in pro sports.

The Angels’ Defense Strategy

The Angels reject the idea of organizational wrongdoing. Their lawyers insist Skaggs made personal choices and died privately in his hotel room.

They point out he’d been drinking heavily that night and argue his actions—not team negligence—caused the tragedy.

Coroner’s Report and Criminal Conviction

The coroner found alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone in Skaggs’s system, and determined he choked on his vomit. The Angels use this evidence to claim Skaggs bore responsibility for what happened.

Still, a federal jury in 2022 convicted Eric Kay of supplying Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill, leading to a 22-year prison sentence. Kay’s conviction makes it clear there was a pipeline for dangerous opioids reaching the Angels’ locker room.

What Comes Next in the Trial

The civil trial is expected to last for weeks. Other former Angels players, like pitcher Wade Miley, might take the stand.

Their testimony could shed more light on the clubhouse culture and whether warning signs about drug use were missed or ignored.

Potential Impact on Professional Sports

This case could ripple far beyond just the Angels. If the jury sides with the Skaggs family, Major League Baseball teams might have to rethink how they support players and prevent drug abuse—especially when it comes to staff who work closely with athletes.

• Enhanced drug education for players and staff could become mandatory.
• Stricter monitoring of non-player personnel who interact with athletes.
• Clear reporting protocols for suspected substance abuse within the team environment.

Final Thoughts

I’ve spent decades covering professional sports, and this trial really hits hard. Off-field issues can shake up the game in ways nobody expects.

The loss of Tyler Skaggs wasn’t just about the Angels—it rippled through the whole baseball community. His death made everyone stop and think about what teams owe their players, especially now, when opioid abuse is everywhere.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB star Mike Trout testifies in lawsuit over overdose death of teammate Tyler Skaggs