In a highly anticipated and emotional court appearance, Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout delivered compelling testimony in the civil trial against the Angels organization, revealing that he had confronted former communications director Eric Kay about his apparent drug use before the tragic 2019 overdose death of his beloved teammate, Tyler Skaggs. Trout’s statements are critical to the $118 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family, which alleges the team knowingly enabled Kay’s access to players despite awareness of his addiction and drug dealing.
The Southern California civil trial involving the Los Angeles Angels and the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs took a poignant turn with the testimony of Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Trout, a three-time American League Most Valuable Player and one of baseball’s most respected figures, spoke openly about his deep bond with Skaggs and his uneasy observations of former team communications director Eric Kay, who was later convicted in connection with Skaggs’ death.
A Brotherly Bond and Unsettling Observations
Trout told the courtroom on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, that he “loved his teammate Tyler Skaggs like a brother,” never witnessing any signs of drug use from Skaggs himself. Their friendship dated back to their rookie years in Iowa, sharing a host family’s basement, and continued through their time with the Angels. Trout fondly recalled Skaggs as “very funny, outgoing, fun to be around,” often acting as the team’s DJ with his boom box. He also detailed their off-field activities, including playing basketball, watching football, and having dinner together, painting a picture of a close personal relationship.
However, Trout’s testimony shifted to the disturbing behavior of Eric Kay, the Angels’ then-communications director. Trout observed Kay acting “wired and sweating,” leading him to believe Kay was “using something.” While he didn’t know the specific substance, Trout felt compelled to approach Kay, offering help and stating, “If you needed anything, to let him know.” This direct confrontation underscores the personal burden players felt, even as the organization’s knowledge remains disputed.
Furthermore, Trout testified that a team employee, later identified as clubhouse attendant Kris Constanti, had explicitly warned him about possible concerns regarding Kay’s drug abuse prior to Skaggs’ death. Trout’s concern extended to his interactions with Kay; he stopped signing autographs requested by Kay unless he knew who they were for, out of fear they could be sold to fund a “bad purpose.”
The Civil Lawsuit: Seeking Accountability
The civil trial stems from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ wife, Carli, and his parents, seeking a staggering $118 million for lost earnings, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The family asserts that the Angels made a series of “reckless decisions” by maintaining Kay’s employment and granting him access to MLB players, despite allegedly knowing about his severe drug addiction and dealing activities. This claim is bolstered by reports, including one from ESPN in October 2019, indicating that federal investigators were informed that team officials were aware of Skaggs’ drug use and Kay’s role in distributing drugs to him and other players.
The Angels, conversely, have argued that Skaggs’ actions were personal, occurring in his private hotel room during his off-time, and that he was also consuming alcohol heavily. Former team officials, Tim Mead and Tom Taylor, testified they were unaware of Kay’s drug abuse, an assertion challenged in court by text messages presented by Kay’s wife. This stark contrast in narratives forms the core of the legal battle, forcing the court to weigh individual responsibility against organizational oversight.
Eric Kay’s Conviction and Broader MLB Impact
The civil trial follows the 2022 federal criminal conviction of Eric Kay. Kay was found guilty of providing Skaggs with a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl, which directly led to the pitcher’s death. He was subsequently sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. Kay’s criminal trial in Texas featured testimony from five MLB players who admitted to receiving oxycodone from him between 2017 and 2019, highlighting the extent of his drug dealing within the Angels organization.
The tragic death of Tyler Skaggs sparked significant changes across Major League Baseball. Following his passing, MLB and the Players Association reached a landmark agreement to begin testing for opioids, with a clear policy to refer players who test positive to a treatment board. This proactive measure underscores the league’s recognition of the serious issue of substance abuse among its athletes, aiming to prevent future tragedies and support player well-being, as reported by MLB.com.
Skaggs’ Legacy and the Lingering Pain
Tyler Skaggs was a regular fixture in the Angels’ starting rotation since late 2016 and was enjoying a promising 2019 season, improving significantly after returning from Tommy John surgery. Trout’s last memory of his friend was in a hotel elevator in Texas, after the team had flown out from California. The weight of his loss is still evident for Trout, who described Skaggs as the “life of the party” and keeps his No. 45 jersey displayed in his home.
When asked in court if he would rather be somewhere else than testifying, Trout answered quickly and honestly, “Yes.” This raw admission encapsulates the painful reality for those who knew and loved Skaggs, as the legal proceedings continue to dissect the events leading to his untimely death. The trial not only seeks justice for the Skaggs family but also forces a difficult examination of accountability within professional sports organizations for the welfare of their players.
