MLB Under Scrutiny: Wade Miley Named as Alleged Drug Supplier in Tyler Skaggs Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) is once again facing scrutiny as new details emerge in the Tyler Skaggs wrongful death lawsuit. This time, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley has been named as an alleged supplier of drugs to Skaggs, who tragically died of an overdose in 2019. This development has sent shockwaves through the league, raising serious questions about player safety, drug use, and the responsibilities of teams and individuals.

The Tragic Death of Tyler Skaggs

On July 1, 2019, Tyler Skaggs, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas. He was just 27 years old. An autopsy revealed that Skaggs had died of asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident.

Skaggs’ death sent shockwaves through the baseball community and prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding his overdose. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) later determined that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, was the primary contributor to Skaggs’s death.

Eric Kay’s Conviction and the Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The investigation into Skaggs’ death led to the indictment of Eric Kay, the Angels’ former communications director. Kay was found guilty of providing Skaggs with the drugs that led to his death and was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison in 2022. Evidence at his trial showed he distributed the pills that killed Skaggs. Kay was found guilty of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Following Kay’s conviction, Skaggs’ family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels, alleging that the team was negligent in its oversight of Kay and its responsibility to provide a safe environment for its players. The family is seeking $210 million in damages.

Wade Miley’s Alleged Involvement

In a recent court filing by the Angels, seeking to dismiss the wrongful death claims, a deposition from Ryan Hamill, Skaggs’ former agent, included testimony that Hamill confronted his client with concerns about possible drug use in 2013 when Skaggs and Miley were teammates in Arizona, and that Skaggs admitted he had been abusing prescription drugs and said he would get them from Miley.

The Athletic reported that a recorded prison phone call prosecutors filed during Kay’s criminal proceedings included a conversation where he told his mother that Miley was a drug source for Skaggs.

Miley and Skaggs were teammates in Arizona during the 2012-13 seasons.

Miley’s Response

Reds pitcher Wade Miley briefly addressed the issue on Friday. “I hate what happened to Tyler, it sucks. My thoughts are with his family and his friends,” Miley said at Comerica Park. “But I’m not going to sit here and talk about things that someone might have said about me or whatnot. I was never a witness for any of this. I was never accused of any wrongdoing.”

Miley also declined to comment on whether Major League Baseball officials have contacted him about the allegations. “I’d rather just focus on the Cincinnati Reds right now and baseball and what I have to do moving forward. I’ve got to get ready for a game on Sunday,” Miley said.

MLB’s History with Drug Abuse

The allegations against Miley shine a light on the long and troubled history of drug use in Major League Baseball. For decades, players have turned to various substances to cope with the pressures of the game, manage pain, and enhance performance.

Early Issues

In the 1980s, cocaine use became rampant in MLB, leading to suspensions and public scandals. Commissioner Peter Ueberroth suspended 11 players in 1986, including some of the sport’s biggest names, for their involvement with illegal drugs. The scandal, known as the “Pittsburgh Drug Trials,” was one of the biggest in the sport’s history.

The Steroid Era

The late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by the “steroid era,” when many players used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to gain an edge. This era saw record-breaking performances, but it also tarnished the integrity of the game and led to increased scrutiny of players’ physical achievements.

MLB’s Current Drug Policy

MLB has implemented a Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program to combat drug use. The policy prohibits players from using, possessing, selling, or distributing any Drug of Abuse, human growth hormone (HGH), or steroid.

Under the policy, all samples collected under the Program will now be tested for the presence of Opioids, Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Synthetic THC (among other Drugs of Abuse). Natural Cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD, and Marijuana) will be removed from the Program’s list of Drugs of Abuse.

Opioids in Sports: A Dangerous Game

The opioid crisis is a national epidemic, and athletes are not immune. In fact, athletes may be at a higher risk of opioid abuse due to injuries, surgeries, and the pressure to perform.

The Risks of Opioid Use for Athletes

Increased risk of addiction: Opioids are highly addictive, and athletes who use them for pain management can quickly develop a dependence.
Masking injuries: Opioids can mask pain, allowing athletes to continue playing through injuries, which can lead to further damage.
Side effects: Opioids can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and slowed reaction time, all of which can impair athletic performance.
Long-term health problems: Long-term opioid use can lead to a variety of health problems, including decreased bone strength, hormonal imbalances, and even overdose.

Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management

Rest and rehabilitation: Allowing injuries to heal properly is crucial for long-term recovery.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help athletes regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Non-opioid pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be effective for managing mild to moderate pain.
Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and other alternative therapies may help reduce pain and inflammation.

The Role of Teams and Leagues in Player Safety

The Tyler Skaggs tragedy and the allegations against Wade Miley highlight the critical role that teams and leagues play in ensuring player safety. Teams have a responsibility to:

Provide a safe environment: This includes implementing policies and procedures to prevent drug use and abuse.
Educate players: Players need to be educated about the risks of drug use and the alternatives to opioids for pain management.
Monitor players’ health: Teams should monitor players’ physical and mental health and provide support when needed.
Hold individuals accountable: Teams must hold individuals accountable for their actions, including players, coaches, and staff members.

Moving Forward: A Call for Change

The MLB must take a proactive approach to address drug use and promote player safety. This includes:

Strengthening drug testing and treatment programs: MLB should continue to strengthen its drug testing and treatment programs to deter drug use and provide support for players who need it.
Promoting a culture of safety: MLB should promote a culture of safety that prioritizes players’ health and well-being over performance.
Working with players and the MLBPA: MLB should work collaboratively with players and the MLBPA to address drug use and promote player safety.

The Tyler Skaggs tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of player safety. By taking proactive steps to address these issues, MLB can protect its players and ensure the integrity of the game.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about drug use, player safety, or legal matters, please consult with a qualified professional.