Tyler Skaggs’ tragic death in 2019 sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball. Now, years later, new allegations have surfaced against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley, adding even more complexity to this heartbreaking story.
Ryan Hamill, Skaggs’ former agent, recently claimed in a deposition that Miley gave Skaggs oxycodone pills when they were teammates on the Arizona Diamondbacks. These claims are part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family against the Los Angeles Angels. The case brings some uncomfortable truths about professional sports into the spotlight.
Wade Miley Named as Alleged Drug Supplier to Tyler Skaggs
According to Hamill, Skaggs confided that Miley supplied him with oxycodone pain pills. This accusation is now part of the ongoing lawsuit, which argues the Angels didn’t do enough to help Skaggs with substance abuse issues.
Miley, now 38, played with Skaggs on the Diamondbacks during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The timing and their shared history have become central to the current scrutiny.
These new allegations follow a much larger, unsettling story. Eric Kay, a former Angels publicist, was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison for giving Skaggs fentanyl-laced pills, which led to the pitcher’s overdose.
During Kay’s trial, a recording surfaced where Kay named Miley as another of Skaggs’ drug suppliers. Still, authorities haven’t filed any criminal charges against Miley.
The Broader Context: A Culture Under Scrutiny
The Skaggs investigation revealed a troubling undercurrent of prescription drug abuse in MLB. During the trial, several players, like former Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, admitted that players sometimes exchanged and used controlled substances.
This has sparked renewed debates about how much responsibility the league has to monitor and address substance use among its athletes. How far does this problem really go?
Miley has denied any involvement. He hasn’t been charged with any crime related to Skaggs’ death. The Cincinnati Reds and Miley have both declined to comment, leaving the public and MLB waiting for more information.
The Legal Battle: A Family Seeking Closure
Skaggs’ family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Angels. They claim the team was negligent and allowed drug use to go unchecked in the clubhouse.
The family hopes to hold the organization accountable, arguing the team either ignored or enabled Skaggs’ access to dangerous substances. Their legal action is as much about justice as it is about pushing MLB to take responsibility and prevent future tragedies.
What’s Next for MLB and Its Players?
The Skaggs tragedy has cast a long shadow over baseball, making it clear that something needs to change. The league faces growing pressure to act, both for player welfare and its own reputation.
We might see MLB introduce stricter drug testing, more education, and closer health monitoring. But there’s no simple fix, and no one really knows if these steps will be enough.
As for Wade Miley, his future is uncertain. No criminal charges have been filed, but public opinion can be harsh. If more evidence comes out, his career and reputation could take a hit.
Still, Miley deserves due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven otherwise. The story is far from over, and the questions it raises are uncomfortable but necessary.
The Legacy of Tyler Skaggs
Tyler Skaggs’ untimely death at just 27 still hits hard for so many people. He was a talented athlete with a future that seemed wide open.
His absence lingers with teammates, family, and fans. Skaggs’ story now stands as a stark example of why we need more compassion and accountability when it comes to substance abuse in pro sports.
As legal proceedings keep unfolding, the MLB faces some tough questions. Shouldn’t the league rethink its approach—maybe with stricter oversight or better support systems?
Right now, everyone’s watching the Cincinnati Reds and MLB leadership. The baseball world waits, not quite sure what comes next in this complicated story.
Here is the source article for this story: Reds pitcher Wade Miley named as one of Tyler Skaggs’ drug suppliers in wrongful death lawsuit
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