Mike Trout Testifies in Tyler Skaggs’ Wrongful Death Trial

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout testified on Tuesday, expressing his deep affection for teammate Tyler Skaggs, whom he regarded as a brother. He noted that he had never observed any indications of drug use before Skaggs’ fatal overdose during a team trip to Texas in 2019.

Trout, a three-time American League MVP who recently achieved his 400th career home run, took the stand in a civil trial in Southern California. This trial addresses whether the Angels organization should be held accountable for Eric Kay, their former communication director, allegedly providing Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill that resulted in his death.

During his testimony, Trout reminisced about his friendship with Skaggs, recalling their time as rookie roommates in Iowa and their years together playing for the Angels. Both players were drafted out of high school in 2009—Trout from New Jersey and Skaggs from California. Trout described Skaggs as “very funny, outgoing, and fun to be around,” adding that he often entertained the team by bringing a boom box as a deejay.

Trout mentioned that the two enjoyed spending time off the field, frequently attending Los Angeles Lakers games together since Skaggs was a big fan. He humorously admitted that Skaggs had a better jump shot than him. Trout also acknowledged that Kay was effective at his job but raised concerns over Kay’s behavior, suggesting that the players should stop financially supporting some of his antics, citing worries about the possible misuse of funds.

Trout recounted seeing Kay appear “wired” and sweating, which led him to suspect drug use. While he never approached Kay about this, he offered his support in case Kay needed help. When Skaggs passed away, Trout was unaware of his drug use, and the thought that drugs could be linked to his death didn’t cross his mind. He was also clueless about the alleged opioid distribution by Kay to his teammates.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Skaggs’ wife, Carli, and his parents, who argue that the Angels made negligent choices, allowing Kay access to players even while he was struggling with addiction. The team has countered that Skaggs was known to drink heavily and that his actions occurred privately in his hotel room. Skaggs died in a suburban Dallas hotel room, with a coroner determining that he choked on his vomit and had a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone in his system.

Kay was convicted in 2022 for supplying Skaggs with a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl and received a 22-year sentence in federal prison. His trial revealed testimonies from multiple MLB players who claimed they received opioids from him between 2017 and 2019. Skaggs’ family is seeking $118 million in damages. This case has led MLB to implement testing for opioids among players, aiming to address a significant societal issue within the sport.