Just a month after it was announced Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died of an opioid overdose, a new report indicates the team was aware of Skaggs’ opioid use.
According to ESPN’s T.J. Quinn, a public relations employee informed federal investigators that he provided and used opioids with Skaggs. Furthermore, he said two team officials knew of Skaggs’ drug use long before his tragic death.
According to the report, the team’s director of communications, Eric Kay, provided DEA agents with names of five other players he believed were using opioids.
It’s another tragic turn in a heartbreaking story of Skaggs’ death at the age of 27. The MLB and MLB Players Association reportedly planned to discuss opioid testing for players in the future.
The report could potentially have damaging ramifications for the entire Angels’ organization.