Mike Trout Testifies: Loved Skaggs, Saw Signs of Drug Use

UPDATE: In a gripping courtroom testimony, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout revealed his deep affection for late teammate Tyler Skaggs and confirmed he witnessed troubling signs of drug use prior to Skaggs’ tragic overdose in July 2019. The testimony unfolded during a civil trial in Santa Ana, California, where the stakes are high as Skaggs’ family seeks $118 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels.

Trout, a three-time American League Most Valuable Player, took the stand to share his emotional bond with Skaggs, describing him as “very funny, outgoing, and fun to be around.” Their friendship blossomed when they roomed together as rookies, and Trout emphasized the shock of losing a brother-like figure. “I just didn’t know what it was,” Trout stated, referring to his concerns regarding Eric Kay, the team’s communication director, who was later convicted for providing Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill.

The trial centers on whether the Angels bear responsibility for Kay’s access to players while he struggled with drug addiction. Trout’s testimony highlighted Kay’s erratic behavior, including sweating and acting “wired,” which raised alarms among players. “The first thing that came to mind was drugs,” Trout said, as he recalled a clubhouse attendant’s warning about Kay’s questionable antics.

Skaggs was found dead in a hotel room in Texas, the same week the Angels were scheduled to play the Texas Rangers. A coroner’s report confirmed that he choked on his vomit, with a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone present in his system. Kay’s actions have drawn scrutiny, particularly as the trial reveals a troubling pattern of drug distribution within the team.

The family claims the Angels created an environment that enabled Kay’s drug use, leading to Skaggs’ untimely death. They are demanding compensation for lost earnings, pain, suffering, and punitive damages, arguing that the organization failed to protect its players. The team counters that Skaggs’ actions were independent and occurred in private, claiming he was also drinking heavily at the time.

This trial, now in its early stages, is expected to draw further testimony from other players, including former Angels pitcher Wade Miley. The emotional weight of Skaggs’ death has triggered changes in Major League Baseball, which has since implemented opioid testing protocols in collaboration with the players’ association.

As the trial progresses, Trout’s heartfelt testimony underlines the human impact of this tragedy. The courtroom atmosphere is charged with grief as family members and fans remember Skaggs’ vibrant spirit and the void left in the community.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as this significant case unfolds in Southern California. The implications of this trial extend beyond the courtroom, raising urgent questions about player welfare and the pervasive issue of drug use in sports.