Ongoing Civil Trial Examines Angels' Responsibility in Skaggs' Death

In the ongoing civil trial concerning the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, jurors are hearing closing arguments that spotlight the potential responsibility of the Los Angeles Angels organization in the circumstances surrounding Skaggs' overdose.

An attorney for Skaggs' family, Daniel Dutko, argued that the team failed to act on reports of drug use by communications director Eric Kay, who provided the fatal fentanyl-laced pill to Skaggs. He emphasized that Kay had access to players and was allegedly distributing pills, with seven players testifying they received drugs from him.

In contrast, Angels attorney Todd Theodora contended that Skaggs was responsible for his own actions and that he concealed his addiction from the team, claiming that if the organization had been aware of Skaggs' substance abuse, they would have intervened.

The trial has included testimony from numerous witnesses, including Angels outfielder Mike Trout and team president John Carpino, who expressed regret over not knowing sooner about the drug issues. The Skaggs family is seeking damages, estimating his lost earnings at over $100 million, while the Angels’ experts argue it could be as low as $32 million.

As the jury prepares to deliberate, the trial's outcome could have significant implications for the Angels and the broader MLB community regarding drug addiction awareness and responsibility within professional sports.