Former Angels Pitcher Testifies on Drug Use Amid Skaggs Case

UPDATE: Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Mike Morin testified just hours ago in the wrongful death trial of Tyler Skaggs, revealing alarming details about the illicit drug use that surrounded the team. The trial, taking place in Santa Ana, California, underscores a critical narrative as the Skaggs family seeks accountability from the Angels.

Morin, who played alongside Skaggs during the 2017 season, shared that he, Skaggs, and Eric Kay, a team communications employee currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for providing Skaggs with a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced oxycodone, operated in secrecy about their drug use. “We knew what we were doing was illegal,” Morin stated, emphasizing the clandestine nature of their actions.

This testimony arrives amid ongoing debates about the Angels’ responsibility in Skaggs’ tragic death from an accidental overdose in July 2019. The Angels maintain they were unaware of Skaggs’ drug issues, and Morin’s statements bolster their defense, suggesting that Skaggs was ultimately responsible for his actions. “I think that he wanted to not have a bunch of people know what he was doing,” Morin added, reflecting on the pressures athletes face.

Morin’s account detailed the discreet methods used to obtain pills, which he referred to as “blue boys.” He recounted how they would crush pills and use them in the clubhouse bathroom, likening it to a childhood experience. “I had no idea Eric Kay was doing what he was doing,” he said, highlighting the naivety of players regarding the sources of their drugs.

The emotional toll of professional sports was evident in Morin’s testimony. He described the immense pressures players endure, stating, “I am 100 percent embarrassed to sit here and say this is what I did. That is my own burden.” His candid remarks aim to shed light on the hidden struggles many athletes face, emphasizing the need for open discussions regarding addiction.

This trial is critical not only for the Skaggs family but also for the broader conversation about athlete health and team responsibility. As the proceedings continue, the implications of Morin’s testimony could significantly impact the case. The trial resumes tomorrow, with expert witnesses expected to address Skaggs’ potential earnings had he lived, further adding to the complexity of this tragic narrative.

Stay tuned as we provide updates on this developing story, which touches not only on legal accountability but also on the deeply personal stories of those affected by addiction in the world of professional sports.