Ex-Angels Official Admits Searching Desk for Drugs Amid Trial

UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, former Los Angeles Angels communications head Tim Mead testified today that he searched the desk of ex-employee Eric Kay three times for drugs, just as the wrongful death civil suit regarding pitcher Tyler Skaggs‘ overdose unfolds in Orange County Superior Court.

The courtroom was riveted as Mead, the trial’s first witness, recounted his attempts to uncover potential illicit drugs in Kay’s office during Kay’s final years with the Angels, prior to Skaggs’ tragic death in July 2019. Mead’s admission came during a contentious session where the family of Skaggs is seeking $118 million in lost wages and damages from the franchise.

Mead revealed that he had suspicions about Kay’s drug use but never found any evidence during his searches. “Three times we went through Eric’s drawers in his desk to look for what it was, I don’t know, but look for a syringe or powder or cutting tool,” Mead stated, expressing a mix of concern and relief. He described Kay as someone who he believed was mismanaging prescription medication amid struggles with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder.

Kay, a former communications director, was convicted in 2022 for providing the fentanyl-laced pill that caused Skaggs’ overdose and is currently serving 22 years in prison.

As the trial progresses, tensions rose between Mead and plaintiff’s lead attorney Rusty Hardin, who challenged Mead’s decisions regarding Kay’s behavior and the lack of formal reporting to Angels management. Hardin pressed Mead on whether he “played God” in his interactions with Kay, to which Mead firmly replied, “I didn’t play God, counselor. I tried to help an individual and his family.”

Hardin illustrated Mead’s concern through text messages exchanged with Kay’s wife, Camela, highlighting failed interventions and Kay’s erratic behavior leading up to Skaggs’ death. Mead’s testimony included troubling incidents spanning from 2013 to 2019, including Kay’s hospitalization at Angels Stadium in 2018, where he exhibited severe distress.

Mead’s credibility was tested when he denied remembering finding baggies of drugs in Kay’s home after a failed intervention in 2017. He acknowledged that he never required Kay to take a drug test and did not report concerning behavior to human resources, citing it as a personal issue.

“I looked at it as a very personal issue,” said Mead, referring to Kay’s affair with an Angels intern, which he did not report.

Mead’s testimony revealed multiple attempts to support Kay through the Angels’ employee assistance program (EAP) but also raised questions about his accountability in addressing Kay’s issues. The courtroom witnessed moments of tension as Hardin confronted Mead about the implications of Kay’s behavior on the job, especially regarding potential violations of the Angels’ drug policy.

As the trial continues, expect further revelations about the circumstances leading to Skaggs’ death and the Angels’ internal handling of Kay’s issues. The next session is scheduled for Friday, July 15, 2023, where Mead will continue his testimony. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the Angels organization and the accountability of sports franchises in managing player welfare.