UPDATE: Settlement negotiations have collapsed just days before the trial between the family of Tyler Skaggs and the Los Angeles Angels is set to begin in Orange County Superior Court. The trial is scheduled to start on Monday, where both sides are poised for opening statements and witness testimony.
The stakes are incredibly high as the Skaggs family alleges that the Angels had prior knowledge of former communications director Eric Kay’s drug dealings, which contributed to the tragic overdose of the 27-year-old pitcher on July 1, 2019. An autopsy revealed that Skaggs died from asphyxia due to aspirating his own vomit, with a blood-alcohol level of 0.12 and opioids in his system.
Kay, who was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for supplying counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, is a central figure in this case. Prosecutors revealed that he had sold drugs to Skaggs and other players between 2017 and 2019. The Skaggs family filed their civil lawsuit in June 2021, seeking damages for lost earnings, pain, and suffering, with initial claims reaching $210 million.
Despite the high stakes, a recent one-day settlement conference yielded no agreement, leaving both parties to prepare for what could be a protracted legal battle. Legal experts express surprise at the breakdown in negotiations, noting that most civil suits typically reach settlements to avoid the unpredictability of a jury trial.
The Angels have maintained their stance, stating, “The lawsuits are entirely without merit and the allegations are baseless and irresponsible.” They assert that an independent investigation found no evidence that any team executives were aware of Kay’s drug activities. This position remains despite a judge’s ruling that there is sufficient evidence indicating the Angels may have known about Kay’s distribution of drugs to players.
As the trial approaches, emotional testimonies are expected from Skaggs’ family, who argue that the organization failed to protect their loved one. The family’s legal team, leading with renowned lawyers like Rusty Hardin and Shawn Holley, will likely focus on showcasing the pain and suffering caused by the loss of a husband and son.
However, the Angels will counter by emphasizing that Kay acted independently and that both he and Skaggs engaged in illegal drug use outside the team’s purview. Testimonies from current and former executives, including Tim Mead and John Carpino, are anticipated to illustrate the organization’s lack of knowledge regarding Kay’s illicit activities.
The trial is expected to last over two months, with both sides closely monitoring witness performances and court rulings, which could prompt a reevaluation of settlement discussions. As legal experts suggest, “sometimes what triggers a settlement is a court ruling or a witness performing well or poorly.”
The urgency surrounding this case remains palpable as it unfolds, with the Skaggs family facing the emotional toll of a trial while seeking accountability from a major sports organization. The opening statements will provide critical insights into the deep divides between the two sides and set the stage for a trial that could reshape the narrative surrounding athlete welfare and organizational responsibility in professional sports.
Stay tuned for live updates as this significant trial commences in Orange County, with potential implications for the baseball community and beyond.
