UPDATE: A former teammate of Tyler Skaggs testified today in a Santa Ana courtroom that he, Skaggs, and a team employee were secretive about their drug use, asserting that the Los Angeles Angels are not responsible for Skaggs’ tragic death. Mike Morin, who played alongside Skaggs, stated that during the 2017 season, only he, Skaggs, and Eric Kay—the communications employee who provided drugs—knew about their illicit activities.
Morin’s testimony comes as part of the ongoing wrongful death trial initiated by Skaggs’ family against the Angels, following Skaggs’ accidental overdose in 2019. Morin emphasized the discretion with which they operated, stating, “I think that he wanted to not have a bunch of people know what he was doing.” His remarks could significantly influence the jury’s perception of responsibility in this high-profile case.
The Angels have consistently argued that Skaggs’ death was due to his own reckless decisions, including consuming alcohol and opioids on the night he died in a Texas hotel. When asked if he believed Skaggs was responsible for his actions, Morin replied, “I think that he is responsible for his actions,” reinforcing the team’s position.
During his testimony, Morin detailed how he and Skaggs obtained blue, 30-milligram oxycodone pills, colloquially known as “blue boys.” He recalled instances of snorting pills in a bathroom at the clubhouse, likening the act to a childhood memory of using candy.
Defense attorneys presented evidence, including text messages exchanged between Morin and Skaggs regarding their drug use. Morin described the pill distribution process as “extremely discreet,” where he would leave money in his locker for Kay to collect, dropping off the pills in the same spot.
Morin admitted he had received pain pills from Kay between five and eight times during the 2017 season, but he was unaware of the potential dangers, stating, “I was completely naive.” He expressed the pressure athletes feel to perform, highlighting the emotional toll of maintaining a career in Major League Baseball.
Skaggs’ mother, Debbie Hetman, also testified recently, asserting that she was unaware of her son’s struggles with addiction until later and would have communicated concerns had the Angels inquired. The trial continues on Wednesday with expert witnesses expected to discuss Skaggs’ potential earnings had he lived.
This testimony underscores the ongoing debate about accountability in professional sports, particularly regarding substance abuse. As the trial progresses, the implications for team policies and player safety remain critical and urgent. Share this story to stay updated on this developing case.
