Mike Trout Testifies: No Signs of Drug Use by Tyler Skaggs

UPDATE: In a pivotal moment during a civil trial, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout testified that he saw no signs of drug use by his late teammate Tyler Skaggs, who tragically died from a fentanyl overdose in 2019. This urgent testimony was delivered on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Santa Ana, California, as the Skaggs family seeks $118 million from the Angels for alleged negligence.

Trout, a three-time American League MVP and recent 400-home run milestone hitter, described his close bond with Skaggs, recalling their rookie days together in Iowa. “We were like brothers,” Trout stated, emphasizing Skaggs’ vibrant personality and humor. His heartfelt remarks underscore the emotional impact of this case, which has captured national attention.

The civil trial centers around whether the Angels should be held responsible for the actions of their communications director, Eric Kay, who was convicted in 2022 of supplying Skaggs with a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. Kay is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for his role in this tragic event.

Trout’s testimony included troubling observations about Kay, noting that he had witnessed Kay acting “wired” and sweating. “The first thing that came to mind was drugs,” Trout testified, revealing his concern for his teammate. “I just didn’t know what it was,” he added, expressing his desire to help Kay if needed.

“He was very funny, outgoing, fun to be around,” Trout recalled, painting a vivid picture of Skaggs as a beloved teammate.

The Skaggs family alleges that the Angels made reckless decisions, granting Kay access to players despite his drug addiction. They argue that these actions contributed to the circumstances leading to Skaggs’ death, which occurred in a hotel room in Texas while the Angels were on a road trip.

The trial comes over six years after Skaggs, just 27, was found dead in a suburban Dallas hotel room, with a coroner’s report indicating he choked on his vomit after consuming a mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone. The case highlights a tragic intersection of sports, addiction, and responsibility.

In response, the Angels are countering that Skaggs was also engaging in heavy drinking and that his actions took place privately. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for the accountability of organizations in the realm of player health.

In addition to Trout, other players, including former Angels pitcher Wade Miley, may testify as the trial unfolds, expected to last several weeks. This case not only seeks financial compensation but also aims to address the broader issue of substance abuse in professional sports.

The MLB has since implemented new policies regarding opioid testing and treatment following the tragedy, which speaks to the urgent need for systemic change in how such issues are handled within the league.

As this trial progresses, the emotional ramifications and the quest for justice for Tyler Skaggs continue to resonate throughout the sports community, highlighting the imperative of accountability and support in the face of addiction.