Former Angels Official Testifies on Drug Search Amid Skaggs Case

UPDATE: In a shocking revelation today, former Los Angeles Angels communications head Tim Mead admitted to searching the desk of his colleague Eric Kay three times for drugs during the final years leading up to the tragic death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs in July 2019. This admission came during the opening day of testimony in a wrongful death civil suit filed by the Skaggs family against the Angels, seeking an astounding $118 million in damages.

Mead’s testimony sheds light on potential drug issues within the organization, as he described his concerns about Kay’s behavior, stating, “I had suspicions and doubts but never found anything.” The case has intensified as Kay is currently imprisoned for 22 years after being convicted in 2022 for supplying Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill that led to his fatal overdose in a Texas hotel.

During the proceedings in Orange County Superior Court, Mead detailed multiple incidents from 2013 to 2019, including Kay’s hospitalization due to erratic behavior and a panic attack at Yankee Stadium. He stated, “It was the worst I’d seen Kay,” acknowledging that he recognized the severity of the situation but felt unable to take more decisive action.

The courtroom was charged with tension as Mead faced tough questioning from lead attorney Rusty Hardin. Hardin pressed Mead on whether he acted as a moral authority in dealing with Kay’s issues, to which Mead responded, “I didn’t play God. I tried to help an individual and his family.” However, Hardin highlighted multiple unreported incidents involving Kay, including a failed intervention in 2017 and concerning text conversations with Kay’s wife, Camela.

Mead also confirmed that despite his concerns, he never mandated drug testing for Kay nor reported his behavior to the higher-ups at the Angels. He admitted, “I never went to human resources with potential complaints against Kay,” even in light of troubling incidents involving interns.

The emotional weight of the testimony resonated throughout the courtroom, illustrating the complexities of workplace dynamics and mental health struggles. With the Skaggs family seeking justice for their loss, the trial continues to draw significant public attention as it unfolds.

The next session of testimony is scheduled for Friday, when the court will hear further details surrounding this high-profile case. As the trial progresses, the impact of these revelations could reshape perceptions of accountability within professional sports organizations.

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story closely.