UPDATE: In a shocking conclusion to the Tyler Skaggs wrongful-death trial, Los Angeles Angels president John Carpino labeled the late pitcher a “drug addict and a drug dealer.” This statement came during the final day of testimony on October 27, 2023, intensifying the already heated discussions surrounding Skaggs’ tragic death from a fentanyl overdose on July 1, 2019.
Carpino’s remarks were made as the Angels face a $118 million lawsuit from Skaggs’ family, who claim negligence for failing to monitor Eric Kay, the communications employee charged with providing the drugs that killed Skaggs. In a rapid-fire cross-examination, lead attorney Rusty Hardin challenged Carpino’s assertion, questioning the Angels’ narrative that portrays Skaggs as the “bad guy.”
Carpino stood firm, responding, “Tyler Skaggs was a drug addict and a drug dealer, and Eric Kay was distributing drugs and a drug addict as well.” This statement reflects a stark defense strategy, suggesting that both individuals were responsible for the tragic outcome.
The trial, which commenced in mid-October, has seen conflicting testimonies. Multiple players admitted to receiving pills from Skaggs and Kay, yet no evidence indicated that Skaggs sold illicit drugs. Kay was convicted in federal court in 2022 for providing the fatal drugs to Skaggs.
As the trial approaches its conclusion, jurors are poised to deliberate as early as October 30, 2023. The defense has expressed concerns about time constraints, with attorney Todd Theodora admitting to cutting key witnesses to meet the trial’s tight schedule.
Carpino’s testimony culminated in remarks from Molly Jolly, senior vice president of finance and administration, who stated she was unaware of Kay’s drug issues and would have reported them had she known. “I always want more information and not less information because we want to serve the company and employees as well,” Jolly noted.
The Angels’ defense pivots on the claim that Skaggs’ choices led to his untimely death, arguing that Kay acted outside his responsibilities. However, the plaintiffs assert that the Angels’ lack of oversight placed Skaggs in jeopardy.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, the stakes are incredibly high for both sides. The families of the deceased are looking for justice, while the Angels seek to protect their organization’s reputation. The trial’s outcome could have far-reaching implications for MLB teams and their responsibilities regarding player health and safety.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story.
