MLB Closely Monitoring Tyler Skaggs Trial as Angels’ Liability Comes into Question
The trial regarding the death of Tyler Skaggs, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has entered its third week, with major league officials keeping a close eye on the proceedings. The case centers around the allegation that the Angels knew or should have known about the illegal drug use of former staffer Eric Kay, who provided Skaggs with counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl on the night of his death in 2019.
The Skaggs family is seeking $785 million in damages, as reported by The Athletic, based on the claim that the Angels were negligent in their handling of Kay’s behavior. The Angels deny these allegations, and the trial is expected to last several more weeks. It is essential to note that the league will likely wait until all evidence is presented and a verdict or settlement is reached before determining any potential action against the Angels.
Possible Outcomes and Precedents
While it is considered unlikely that the league would force Angels owner Arte Moreno to sell the team, there are precedents for owners facing disciplinary action. In 1943, Philadelphia Phillies owner William Cox was banned for life for betting on baseball. However, more recent cases suggest that suspension is a more likely outcome for owners who merit discipline. For example, Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott was suspended for one year in 1993 for racist and insensitive comments, and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was suspended on three separate occasions for various infractions.
The jury in the Skaggs trial will need to determine the liability of the parties involved, including the Angels, Kay, and Skaggs, and then decide on the financial compensation. The Skaggs family has listed $210 million as a minimum in a court filing, but the jury could decide on a different amount. As an example, if the jury decides on $210 million in damages and holds the Angels one-third responsible, they would be assessed $70 million.
Context and Background
Eric Kay, the former Angels staffer who provided Skaggs with the fatal pills, is currently serving a 22-year sentence in federal prison. Skaggs died in his hotel room in Texas due to asphyxiation, with the autopsy revealing that he had choked on his own vomit while under the influence of oxycodone, fentanyl, and alcohol. The trial has brought attention to the issue of substance abuse in professional sports and the responsibility of teams to ensure the well-being of their players.
For more information on the trial and its potential implications, Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
