The Los Angeles Angels and the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs have reached a settlement in a civil lawsuit related to Skaggs’ death in July 2019. The agreement was announced just before a scheduled trial, which was set to begin in Los Angeles. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, but both parties expressed relief at reaching an agreement.
Tyler Skaggs, a promising left-handed pitcher, was found dead in a hotel room in Southlake, Texas, on July 1, 2019, at the age of 27. His death was ruled an accidental overdose, with the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office reporting that Skaggs had ingested a combination of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol. The circumstances surrounding his death raised significant concerns about the culture of drug use within Major League Baseball (MLB) and the responsibilities of teams regarding player health and safety.
In the wake of Skaggs’ death, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels in 2020. The lawsuit alleged that the team was negligent in its duty to provide a safe environment for its players and that it failed to properly monitor and support Skaggs, who had a history of substance abuse. The Skaggs family claimed that the Angels’ former communications director, Eric Kay, had provided Skaggs with opioids, which contributed to his death. Kay was later indicted on federal drug charges related to the distribution of opioids, and he was found guilty in February 2022.
The lawsuit also highlighted broader issues within MLB regarding the handling of mental health and substance abuse among players. The Skaggs family sought to hold the Angels accountable for what they described as a culture that enabled drug use and failed to protect players from the dangers of addiction. The case drew attention to the need for improved support systems for athletes, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of opioid use in sports.
The settlement comes at a time when MLB has been under scrutiny for its approach to player health and wellness. In recent years, the league has implemented various initiatives aimed at addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, including the establishment of a joint mental health and substance abuse program. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to create a culture of openness and support for players struggling with addiction.
The implications of this settlement extend beyond the Skaggs family and the Angels organization. It raises questions about the responsibilities of professional sports teams in safeguarding the health of their players and the potential legal ramifications of failing to do so. The case has the potential to influence how MLB and other professional sports leagues approach player welfare, particularly in relation to substance abuse and mental health.
In the aftermath of Skaggs’ death, the Angels organization has expressed condolences to the Skaggs family and acknowledged the tragedy of losing a young athlete with immense potential. The team has also stated its commitment to improving player support systems and addressing the issues surrounding substance abuse in baseball.
The settlement marks a significant moment for the Skaggs family, who have been vocal advocates for increased awareness and support for mental health and substance abuse issues in sports. Following the announcement of the settlement, the family released a statement expressing their hope that the outcome would lead to positive changes within the Angels organization and the broader baseball community.
As the trial was set to begin, the settlement allows both parties to avoid the uncertainties and potential public scrutiny that could have arisen during the proceedings. It also provides the Skaggs family with a resolution to their legal battle, allowing them to focus on honoring Tyler’s legacy and advocating for change in the sport.
The case of Tyler Skaggs has become emblematic of the challenges faced by athletes in managing their mental health and substance use, and the settlement serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for comprehensive support systems within professional sports. As the conversation around player welfare continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this tragic incident may help shape the future of player health and safety in Major League Baseball and beyond.
