It was in July of 2019 when Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs tragically passed away due to an overdose. The baseball world was heartbroken and the Angels’ family was shattered with the loss of their beloved teammate. Tyler Skaggs was just 27 years of age when he passed away.
Skaggs’ death left many people confused, angry, and searching for answers as to why this event transpired. When the autopsy was released it was found that there was fentanyl in his body. The fentanyl was paired with oxycodone and alcohol, a deadly combination.
Player Testimonials
There soon became a hunt for information as the Skaggs’ family began looking for information. They sought after answers to find what exactly happened. It was revealed through messages between Tyler Skaggs and Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay, that the two were discussing drug distribution. Kay worked with the organization from 1996 to 2019. Allegedly, Eric Kay was supplying Tyler, as well as other players in the Angels organization with opioids.
One of the players that received drugs from Eric Kay while playing for the Angels, was relief pitch, Cam Bedrosian. Cam pitched for the Phillies this season and is notably the son of former Phillie, Steve Bedrosian, who pitched for the Phillies in the late 1980s.
Cam was on the record of saying that Kay supplied him with a few pills, which he eventually returned back to the former Angels staff member. Cam Bedrosian signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in December and will likely be on the Spring Training roster once the lockout ends.
A former player of the Phillies organization, Blake Parker, also testified in the U.S. vs Eric Kay trial. Parker revealed that during his time with the Angels (2017-2018), he learned from Skaggs and others that Kay was “the man.” Parker admitted that he received opioids from Eric Kay during his time with the team. Blake Parker spent time with the Phillies in 2019 and 2020.
The third and final former Philadelphia Phillie to testify in this trial was a former reliever, Michael Morin. Morin played for the Phillies in 2019 and for the Angels from 2014 to 2017. Morin was yet another former Angel who claimed that he received opioids from Eric Kay during his time with the Angels. Morin testified in the case that he received specifically oxycodone from Kay.
A player that never suited up for the Phillies but should be well remembered is starting pitcher Matt Harvey. Harvey was a dominant pitcher for a short period of time with the New York Mets and was a member of the Mets team that reached the 2015 World Series. Matt Harvey testified in this case with immunity and revealed that he discussed drug use with Tyler in Spring Training in 2019. Harvey also openly admitted to using cocaine and other drugs during his multiple stops in the MLB, including the Mets.
Verdict
It was revealed on Thursday, February 17th that Eric Kay was found guilty of distributing fentanyl to Tyler Skaggs, which would lead to his death. The charges brought against Kay include a prison sentence with a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison. The official sentencing will take place on June 28th.
Help is always available!
A reminder for anyone dealing with substance abuse issues there is always help available. Call 1-800-662-4357 or find your local drug abuse center for support.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
