URGENT UPDATE: A former Los Angeles Angels pitcher, Mike Morin, testified in a Santa Ana courtroom that he and the late Tyler Skaggs were secretive about their drug use, asserting they alone, along with team employee Eric Kay, were aware of their actions. This testimony is pivotal in the ongoing wrongful death case against the Angels regarding Skaggs’ tragic overdose in 2019.
The dramatic revelations came during the trial on October 3, 2023, where Morin stated that Skaggs wanted to keep his drug use hidden, saying, “I think that he wanted to not have a bunch of people know what he was doing.” This statement supports the Angels’ defense, which claims Skaggs was solely responsible for his decisions leading to his death from a fentanyl-laced pill.
Morin’s testimony included a confession of his own involvement, revealing that he and Skaggs used blue, 30-milligram oxycodone pills they called “blue boys” in secretive bathroom settings. He described the pills as being exchanged discreetly, with money left in his locker cubby for Kay to collect. “I was completely unaware in a very naïve way that a prescription pill could be tainted,” Morin explained, emphasizing his ignorance of the dangers involved.
Morin’s comments create a stark contrast to the allegations from Skaggs’ family, who assert that the Angels neglected their duty to ensure player safety by allowing Kay, who is currently serving a 22-year prison term for drug distribution, to remain employed despite knowledge of his drug issues.
The stakes are high as the Skaggs family seeks justice, claiming the Angels knew of Kay’s drug use and failed to act. Morin connected with Kay after suffering an injury in the 2017 season, and he admitted that he would not have suspected Kay was providing illicit drugs to players.
As the trial unfolds, the emotional weight of the case is palpable. Morin expressed embarrassment over his actions, saying, “I am 100 percent embarrassed to sit here and say this is what I did. That is my own burden.” His candidness highlights the immense pressure athletes face to perform, which can lead to tragic outcomes.
The courtroom drama continues as jurors hear testimonies from various witnesses, including Skaggs’ mother, Debbie Hetman, who previously indicated she never informed the Angels about her son’s addiction. Defense attorneys are now scrutinizing her earlier statements, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The trial is set to resume on October 4, 2023, with expert witnesses expected to testify on Skaggs’ potential career earnings. As the case progresses, the implications for Major League Baseball and player safety are becoming increasingly significant, compelling fans and the public alike to follow these developments closely.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical case continues to unfold.
