Skaggs Wrongful Death Trial: Angels VP Accused of Perjury, MLB Subpoena Planned
The tragic death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs in 2019 continues to reverberate through Major League Baseball, with a wrongful death trial unveiling shocking accusations and potentially far-reaching consequences. In a stunning turn of events, the attorney for the Skaggs family has accused Angels Vice President of Human Resources, Deborah Johnston, of perjury, igniting a legal firestorm that may draw MLB directly into the case. This development, along with the existing conviction of former Angels communications director Eric Kay for providing Skaggs with the drugs that led to his death, paints a troubling picture of the environment within the Angels organization and raises serious questions about accountability.
Perjury Allegations and the Potential MLB Subpoena
Rusty Hardin, the Skaggs family attorney, made the explosive accusation against Deborah Johnston after her testimony in the wrongful death civil trial. Hardin claims Johnston falsely stated that the Angels informed MLB about Eric Kay’s drug use and collaborated with the league to provide Kay with testing and treatment. MLB swiftly denied these claims, stating that neither the league nor its Drug Oversight Committee was ever notified or involved in Kay’s treatment.
Hardin didn’t mince words, telling the judge, “We believe that perjury was committed by Deborah Johnston.” He is now planning to subpoena MLB mid-trial, citing the league’s denial of Johnston’s claims. This move could force MLB to disclose internal communications and policies related to drug use among team employees, potentially exposing a broader issue within the league.
If Johnston is found to have committed perjury, she could face criminal charges, and the Angels’ defense in the wrongful death trial could be severely compromised. The potential MLB subpoena adds another layer of complexity, as it could reveal the extent to which the league was aware of drug-related issues within the Angels organization and whether they took appropriate action.
The Testimony of Deborah Johnston
Johnston’s testimony painted a picture of cooperation with MLB, stating, “When there is an illegal drug, or we go through an investigation and we find somebody has used illegal substances on property, one of the options is to terminate. But another option is to work with MLB, as we did in this case.” She also mentioned communicating with MLB investigators during a specific time frame related to Kay’s drug use.
However, MLB’s denial directly contradicts Johnston’s claims, creating a significant discrepancy that Hardin intends to exploit. The Angels’ attorney, Todd Theodora, defended Johnston, stating that her testimony was based on text messages she reviewed just before testifying, which suggested MLB’s involvement through Dr. Eric Ael, the team’s designated employee assistance professional under MLB’s drug program.
The conflicting accounts raise a critical question: Did the Angels attempt to address Kay’s drug use independently, or did they involve MLB as Johnston claimed? The answer could have significant implications for the outcome of the wrongful death trial and MLB’s reputation.
The Broader Context: Eric Kay’s Conviction and the Drug Culture Within the Angels
Eric Kay, the former Angels communications director, is currently serving a 22-year federal prison sentence after being convicted of providing Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill that led to his death on July 1, 2019. The trial revealed a disturbing picture of Kay’s role in providing drugs to multiple Angels players.
Federal prosecutors presented testimony from several MLB players who alleged they received oxycodone from Kay. The players testified that Kay was their “singular source” for these pills and that he often coordinated the distribution through text messages or conversations. This testimony painted a picture of a drug culture within the Angels organization, with Kay at the center of it.
Adding to the complexity, there were allegations that Kay would communicate with individuals during the workday and even ask them to deliver oxycodone pills to Angel Stadium. A search of Kay’s office at Angel Stadium in December 2019 revealed traces of oxycodone and fentanyl, further solidifying his role in providing drugs to players.
The Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Seeking Accountability and Damages
The Skaggs family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels, alleging that the team was responsible for Skaggs’ death because they knew or should have known about Kay’s drug use and his distribution of drugs to players. The lawsuit claims that the Angels “owed Tyler Skaggs a duty to provide a safe place to work and play baseball” and that they breached that duty by allowing Kay to have access to Skaggs and by failing to prevent him from providing Skaggs with dangerous illegal drugs.
The Skaggs family is seeking significant damages, including compensation for lost earnings, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The potential financial impact on the Angels could be substantial if the jury finds them liable for Skaggs’ death.
The Angels, however, argue that Skaggs was responsible for his own death. They contend that Skaggs had been drinking and taking oxycodone and that he should have known the risks involved. The team’s legal team has also suggested that Skaggs died of a “cardiac arrhythmia” exacerbated by alcohol and oxycodone, attempting to shift the blame away from Kay and the organization.
The Impact on MLB and the Future
The Skaggs wrongful death trial and the perjury allegations against Deborah Johnston have the potential to significantly impact MLB. If the trial reveals a systemic problem with drug use within the Angels organization or if MLB is found to have been aware of Kay’s drug use and failed to take action, the league’s reputation could be severely damaged.
MLB has already taken steps to address the issue of opioid use among players, including implementing testing for opioids and providing treatment resources for those who test positive. However, the Skaggs case highlights the need for continued vigilance and a commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for all players.
The outcome of the Skaggs wrongful death trial and the potential MLB subpoena could have far-reaching consequences for the Angels, MLB, and the broader sports world. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug use and the importance of accountability at all levels of an organization.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to the negligence of others, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.