Angels on Trial for Death of Tyler Skaggs: Guilty?

Trial for the death of Tyler Skaggs: Los Angeles Angels at the center of controversy

The civil trial for the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs in 2019 has begun, with the Los Angeles Angels in the eye of the storm. Opening statements presented on Tuesday revealed opposing arguments about the team’s responsibility for the tragic loss of the player. Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff, accused the Angels of being responsible for Skaggs’ death, arguing that the franchise put the player “directly in danger” by keeping Eric Kay on their roster. Kay, former communications director for the Angels, was convicted in 2022 of providing the fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill that caused Skaggs’ death and is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence. On the other hand, Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels, insisted that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problems or that Kay provided him with pills. Theodora argued that Skaggs died due to his “reckless decision to mix large amounts of alcohol with narcotics on the night of his death”.

“Angels Baseball did not kill Tyler Skaggs, and Angels Baseball only wishes he had spoken and told us about his problems,” Theodora stated.

Todd Theodora, Angels’ lawyer

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiffHolley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiffHolley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.Skaggs’ widow, Carli, and her mother, present in the courtroom, are seeking $118 million in damages for the estimated loss of income of Tyler Skaggs, as well as damages for the family’s suffering and punitive damages against the Angels. Holley, in his 52-minute opening statement, directly held the Angels responsible for Skaggs’ death. For her part, Theodora, in a 58-minute statement, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug use or that Kay provided him with pills, and that the death was the result of a “reckless decision” by the player. Holley detailed multiple occasions in which the Angels were informed of Kay’s drug problems since 2013, including periods of rehabilitation and appearances at work “high, very high”. Testimony is expected to be presented about a club employee who saw Kay snorting drugs in the club’s kitchen in 2016, and an intervention in 2017 where the Angels’ head of public relations, Tim Mead, found pills in individual bags at Kay’s house.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiffHolley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019. Skaggs’ widow, Carli, and her mother, present in the courtroom, are seeking $118 million in damages for the estimated loss of income of Tyler Skaggs, as well as damages for the family’s suffering and punitive damages against the Angels. Holley, in his 52-minute opening statement, directly held the Angels responsible for Skaggs’ death. For her part, Theodora, in a 58-minute statement, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug use or that Kay provided him with pills, and that the death was the result of a “reckless decision” by the player. Holley detailed multiple occasions in which the Angels were informed of Kay’s drug problems since 2013, including periods of rehabilitation and appearances at work “high, very high”. Testimony is expected to be presented about a club employee who saw Kay snorting drugs in the club’s kitchen in 2016, and an intervention in 2017 where the Angels’ head of public relations, Tim Mead, found pills in individual bags at Kay’s house.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.Skaggs’ widow, Carli, and her mother, present in the courtroom, are seeking $118 million in damages for the estimated loss of income of Tyler Skaggs, as well as damages for the family’s suffering and punitive damages against the Angels. Holley, in his 52-minute opening statement, directly held the Angels responsible for Skaggs’ death. For her part, Theodora, in a 58-minute statement, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug use or that Kay provided him with pills, and that the death was the result of a “reckless decision” by the player. Holley detailed multiple occasions in which the Angels were informed of Kay’s drug problems since 2013, including periods of rehabilitation and appearances at work “high, very high”. Testimony is expected to be presented about a club employee who saw Kay snorting drugs in the club’s kitchen in 2016, and an intervention in 2017 where the Angels’ head of public relations, Tim Mead, found pills in individual bags at Kay’s house.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiffHolley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.Skaggs’ widow, Carli, and her mother, present in the courtroom, are seeking $118 million in damages for the estimated loss of income of Tyler Skaggs, as well as damages for the family’s suffering and punitive damages against the Angels. Holley, in his 52-minute opening statement, directly held the Angels responsible for Skaggs’ death. For her part, Theodora, in a 58-minute statement, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug use or that Kay provided him with pills, and that the death was the result of a “reckless decision” by the player. Holley detailed multiple occasions in which the Angels were informed of Kay’s drug problems since 2013, including periods of rehabilitation and appearances at work “high, very high”. Testimony is expected to be presented about a club employee who saw Kay snorting drugs in the club’s kitchen in 2016, and an intervention in 2017 where the Angels’ head of public relations, Tim Mead, found pills in individual bags at Kay’s house.

“That type of packaging was indicative of drug sales,” Holley stated. “…The Angels knew it.”

Shawn Holley, attorney for the plaintiff

Holley noted that the testimony would demonstrate that Kay’s addiction was “on full display” in 2018, including at work for the Angels, and that in 2019 the team’s human resources department asked Kay to see an addiction specialist. Less than two months after returning to work, Kay traveled to Texas with Skaggs and the Angels, where he provided the pill with fentanyl to Skaggs. The Angels’ lawyer, Theodora, argued that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug problem. She also mentioned that the Angels suspended and eventually fired Kay after learning that he had been in Skaggs’ hotel room the night of his death. Theodora stated that the evidence will show that Skaggs used illicit drugs while with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Angels. In addition, several former Angels players, including Matt Harvey, and current players, such as Mike Trout, will testify or have testimonies read about Kay or Skaggs. Theodora explained that oxycodone was not prescribed to Skaggs and that fentanyl was a “counterfeit” pill provided by Kay. Although the amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl were within therapeutic ranges, the combination with alcohol – between 11 and 13 drinks – proved lethal.

“It was the mix of this amount of alcohol with this amount of oxycodone and this amount of fentanyl that caused Tyler’s death,” said Theodora.

Todd Theodora, lawyer for the Angels

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to continue Wednesday morning with Mead’s testimony.

Image description: Angels players placed their jerseys with the number 45 in honor of pitcher Tyler Skaggs on the mound after a combined no-hitter two weeks after his death in 2019.