UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Los Angeles Angels president John Carpino labeled late pitcher Tyler Skaggs a “drug addict and a drug dealer” during the final day of testimony in the ongoing wrongful-death civil trial on Friday in Santa Ana, California. This statement comes as Skaggs’ family seeks $118 million in damages, accusing the Angels of negligence in failing to monitor employee Eric Kay, who provided the fentanyl-laced pill that led to Skaggs’ death on July 1, 2019.
Carpino and senior vice president Molly Jolly maintained they were unaware of Skaggs’ drug issues or Kay’s role in supplying drugs. Under intense questioning from lead plaintiffs attorney Rusty Hardin, Carpino stood firm, asserting, “Tyler Skaggs was a drug addict and a drug dealer.” This claim contradicts the family’s narrative that Skaggs was a victim of Kay’s actions.
Witness testimonies have revealed a troubling pattern, with multiple players admitting to receiving pills from both Skaggs and Kay. However, no evidence has shown that Skaggs was selling drugs. Kay was found guilty in federal court in 2022 for providing the lethal drugs to Skaggs.
As the trial approaches closing arguments, jurors could begin deliberations as early as Monday afternoon. The defense has expressed frustrations over time constraints, with attorney Todd Theodora noting they had to cut several intended witnesses from their case. Despite this, Carpino’s testimony was brief, lasting only the final 12 minutes of the trial.
Defense expert Dr. Elie Aoun, a psychiatrist from Columbia University, previously testified that Skaggs exhibited signs of “active addiction” up until his death, suggesting that public admissions of drug use often indicate a larger issue. Jolly testified she was never informed of Kay’s drug or mental health problems, asserting that had she known, she would have acted to support both Kay and Skaggs.
“I always want more information and not less information because we want to serve the company and employees as well,” Jolly stated, emphasizing her commitment to employee welfare.
The Angels have maintained that they were unaware of any drug-related issues within their ranks and argue that Skaggs’ decisions ultimately led to his tragic death. Plaintiffs claim the organization’s negligence in retaining Kay placed Skaggs at risk.
As the trial concludes, the implications of Carpino’s statements could have profound effects on the outcome. The case has drawn attention to the complex issues surrounding addiction in professional sports and the responsibilities organizations have to their players.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds. Jurors are expected to begin deliberations soon, and the outcome could reshape discussions around athlete health and organizational accountability in Major League Baseball.
