Elephant Rumblings: Former Angels employee convicted in Tyler Skaggs overdose death

Normally, I’d wish the members of Athletics Nation a happy Friday, but we’re heading into this weekend on a sad note.

On July 1, 2019, America’s opioid epidemic visited tragedy upon the baseball world when Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas prior to a series opener with the Texas Rangers. His autopsy indicated that fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol were in his system and led to his death by choking on vomit. He was 27.

Yesterday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reported that a jury convicted Eric Kay, a former Angels communications director, on two charges: distributing oxycodone and fentanyl to Skaggs since “beginning or before 2017,” and providing him with the drugs that he overdosed on (non-paywalled link to other sources below). Kay now faces 20 years to life in federal prison pending sentencing in June.

The Skaggs family attorney, Rusty Hardin, stated that “the Angels knew what Eric Kay was doing, and the team is morally and legally responsible for his conduct.” The family intends to hold the organization accountable in upcoming civil proceedings. Five other former Angels testified that Kay supplied them with opiates; among them was Matt Harvey, who may face suspension for his involvement.

Athletics Nation offers renewed condolences and sympathy to Tyler’s family, friends, former teammates, and all those most deeply affected by this terrible loss. If you or someone close to you is struggling with opioid abuse or dependency, please seek help before it is too late. A good place to start is the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services SAMHSA National Helpline.

A’s Coverage:

• Hall: A’s stadium news: Oakland City Council certifies EIR for Howard Terminal
• Ashford: To Trade or not to Trade: Matt Chapman
• Franco: Twins, Daniel Gossett Agree To Minor League Deal
• Franco: Rockies Sign Zach Neal, Dillon Overton To Minors Deals

MLB News & Interest:

• Franco: Eric Kay Convicted Of Drug Distribution Resulting In Death Of Tyler Skaggs
• Franco: Report: Matt Harvey Facing Possible Suspension Related To Drug Distribution
• Blum: Former Angels employee Eric Kay convicted in Tyler Skaggs’ death: ‘A tragedy all the way around’
• Rosenthal: How prevalent is the use of opioids in Major League Baseball? ($)
• Shaikin: Eric Kay verdict is the start of a long, sad road for Angels, MLB and Skaggs family ($)
• NIghtengale: MLB lockout: The league and players had another short, fruitless meeting Thursday
• Dierkes: Latest Collective Bargaining Positions For MLB, Players Association
• Franco: MLB Suggests New CBA Would Need To Be In Place By End Of February To Begin Regular Season On Time
• Polishuk: MLBPA Drops Push For Universal Two-Year Arbitration, Expands Pre-Arb Bonus Pool In Latest CBA Offer
• Today in Baseball History

Best of Twitter:

Had to wait up for this one! Oakland Council certifies Howard Terminal EIR

I never tire of these gorgeous Howard Terminal renderings

Are the MLB/MLBPA accelerating the bargaining process?

Passan busy scoopin’ it out today (hey, we all struggle with possessives sometimes)

CBass on the Lockout

Needless to say, there is a lot more depth and texture to be appreciated with respect to the Skaggs tragedy

#BlackHistoryMonth: Billy Williams, first African American coach for the Oakland A’s