Before Tyler Skaggs’ Death, Angels Staff Knew About Eric Kay’s Drug Issues
A former Los Angeles Angels clubhouse attendant testified that it was widely known within the team that Eric Kay, a public relations staffer, struggled with drug addiction before the tragic death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
Testimony in Court
During the wrongful death trial against the Angels, Kris Constanti recalled hearing Kay admit he was under the influence of Norco while at the stadium. Constanti also said Kay mentioned hiring sex workers during spring training and seemed to have used drugs in the team’s kitchen just moments before owner Arte Moreno entered.
“It was well-known in the clubhouse that Eric Kay was a drug addict,” said Kris Constanti.
Defense Arguments
The Angels’ attorney portrayed Constanti as a former employee bitter about his dismissal after over ten years with the organization. Constanti admitted he never directly saw Kay consume drugs nor reported his concerns to team leadership.
Team Response and Family Allegations
Several staff members stated they were unaware of Kay’s opioid dependence or that he supplied illicit pills to players such as Skaggs. However, attorneys representing the Skaggs family, along with Kay’s ex-wife, asserted that senior team officials knew about Kay’s drug use and his connection to Skaggs before the pitcher’s fatal overdose in 2019 at a Texas hotel.
Author’s summary: The trial reveals conflicting accounts about how much Angels staff knew of Eric Kay’s addiction before Tyler Skaggs’ overdose, raising questions about accountability within the team.