Tyler Skaggs Trial: Ex-Teammate Claims Players Kept Drug Use Secret

UPDATE: In a gripping testimony that could sway the ongoing wrongful death case against the Los Angeles Angels, former pitcher Mike Morin revealed that he and deceased player Tyler Skaggs kept their drug use hidden, asserting that the team bore no responsibility for their actions. Morin’s statements come amid a high-stakes trial in Santa Ana, California that has captured national attention.

During his testimony on October 24, 2023, Morin disclosed that only he, Skaggs, and team employee Eric Kay knew about their illicit drug use during the 2017 season. Morin, who admitted to understanding the illegal nature of their actions, emphasized that they were “extremely discreet” in their dealings. “I think that he wanted to not have a bunch of people know what he was doing,” Morin stated, referring to Skaggs’ desire for secrecy.

Morin’s testimony is particularly significant as it aligns with the Angels’ defense, which argues that Skaggs’ own reckless decisions led to his tragic death from a fentanyl-laced pill overdose in 2019. The Angels maintain they were unaware of Skaggs’ struggles with addiction or that Kay was providing drugs to players.

Kay is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted of distributing the pills that ultimately caused Skaggs’ death. Morin testified that he had received blue, 30-milligram oxycodone pills—referred to as “blue boys”—from Kay and shared the experience of snorting pills in the Angels’ clubhouse. He described a moment of naivety, believing that any pills they were receiving were safe.

Emotional and candid, Morin expressed his deep regret for his actions, saying, “I am 100 percent embarrassed to sit here and say this is what I did.” He underscored the immense pressure players face to perform in Major League Baseball, a narrative that resonates deeply in the ongoing trial.

The previous day, Skaggs’ mother, Debbie Hetman, testified that she had not informed the Angels about her son’s Percocet addiction in 2013, but would have if asked. Her remarks were met with scrutiny from defense attorneys challenging her earlier claims regarding her son’s addiction.

As the trial unfolds, expert witnesses are expected to testify about the potential earnings Skaggs could have accrued throughout his career had he lived. This critical aspect could significantly impact the Skaggs family’s case against the Angels, as they seek accountability for their son’s death.

The trial is set to continue on October 25, 2023, with further developments anticipated as both sides present their cases. This ongoing legal battle highlights not only the personal tragedies involved but also raises broader questions about athlete well-being and the responsibilities of professional sports organizations.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.