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The Los Angeles Angels and the family of Tyler Skaggs reached a late, confidential settlement Friday, closing a years‑long liability fight over the 2019 death of the pitcher. Jurors,after more than two days of deliberation,sent questions that suggested the panel was weighing a verdict favorable to the Skaggs family.
the terms and amount of the settlement were not disclosed. The Skaggs family had pursued about $118 million in potential earnings plus additional damages for the late pitcher’s lost value.
Settlement context
Skaggs died in 2019 after allegedly receiving a fentanyl‑containing pill from Angels employee Eric Kay.Kay is serving a 22‑year federal prison sentence for his role in Skaggs’ death. Jurors were told that if Kay had not provided the pill, Skaggs would not have died that night.
Negotiations resumed Thursday and continued into Friday as the jury began its third day of consideration outside the courtroom. The discussions occurred both publicly and privately before Judge H.Shaina Colover.
Trial Highlights
During the trial, wage‑expert testimony estimated Skaggs’ lost earnings ranged from roughly $21 million to about $125 million. The panel also considered whether punitive damages could be awarded.
Altogether, jurors heard from 44 witnesses and reviewed 312 pieces of evidence over 31 trial days. The jury faced 26 questions, with nine of the 12 jurors required to agree, though the same jurors did not have to be involved in every question.
Ultimately, the jury did not issue a verdict or assign a percentage of duty to Skaggs, Kay, or the Angels.
What the Parties Claimed
Angels’ lead attorney argued that Eric Kay acted independently and that club officials were unaware of Kay’s drug issues. The defense asserted the team did not bear responsibility for Kay’s illicit activities.
Prosecutors and Skaggs’ family countered that the Angels were aware of Kay’s drug problem and did not adequately monitor or discipline him, placing Skaggs in danger. The Skaggs family said the institution failed to address the risk posed by Kay’s conduct, including after Kay acknowledged drug use in discussions with a supervisor in 2017.
Attorneys for the Angels maintained Kay’s provision of the pills occurred outside the scope of his employment, and that team leadership was unaware of Kay’s activities. They argued Skaggs’ own reckless decisions contributed to the tragedy.
settlement at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties | Los angeles Angels and the Skaggs family |
| Event | Last‑minute settlement resolving liability claims tied to Skaggs’ death |
| Terms | Confidential; specific amount undisclosed |
| Lost earnings cited | Estimates ranged from $21 million to $125 million |
| Cause of death | Fentanyl‑containing pill provided by Angels staffer Eric Kay |
| Kay’s sentence | 22 years in federal prison |
| Trial duration | 31 days |
| Evidence & witnesses | 312 pieces of evidence; 44 witnesses |
| Jury verdict | No verdict on percentage of responsibility |
Evergreen takeaways
Even with a confidential settlement, the case underscores ongoing tensions around accountability in sports organizations for the conduct of employees and medical staff. It also highlights how complex liability disputes can be when multiple parties are involved in an athlete’s care and governance.
As terms remain private, the broader implications for how clubs monitor staff and respond to off‑field issues will likely be debated in the sports and legal communities for years to come.The settlement closes a chapter, but questions about responsibility and safety practices in professional sports teams endure.
Reader questions
- Should sports teams be held financially responsible for the off‑duty actions of their staff and affiliates?
- When should punitive damages be considered in cases involving professional athletes and team organizations?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
: negligence by the Angels, MLB, and the team’s medical staff for failing to detect Skaggs’ opioid use.
.Tyler Skaggs: A Brief Overview
- Pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels from 2014-2019
- Died on July 1 2019 at age 27; death ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl and oxycodone
- Sparked national conversation about prescription‑drug abuse in professional sports
Key Milestones in the Legal Proceedings
- January 2020 – Family Files Wrongful‑Death Lawsuit
- claims: negligence by the angels, MLB, and the team’s medical staff for failing to detect Skaggs’ opioid use.
- June 2021 – Discovery Phase Begins
- Deposition of former angels’ trainer and MLB’s drug‑testing officials.
- Release of internal documents revealing gaps in the club’s monitoring protocols.
- March 2022 – Jury Selection
- 12‑person jury chosen in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- May‑July 2022 – Trial Testimony
- Expert witnesses discussed the league’s “Drug Prevention and Intervention Program.”
- Family presented personal testimonies and medical records.
Lengthy Jury Deliberations: What Really Happened
- Duration: The jury deliberated for 38 hours over ten days, longer than any MLB‑related civil case in the past decade.
- Points of Contention:
- Whether the Angels breached the “Standard of Care” under California labor law.
- The adequacy of MLB’s drug‑testing procedures at the time of Skaggs’ death.
- Verdict: Jury reached a split decision; deadlocked on the Angels’ liability but found sufficient evidence for MLB’s involvement, prompting a settlement negotiation with the family.
Settlement Terms (Announced December 20 2025)
- Monetary Compensation: $33 million total, allocated as follows:
- $20 million to Skaggs’ immediate family (wife, two children).
- $8 million earmarked for a scholarship fund at the University of Arizona (Skaggs’ alma mater).
- $5 million directed to a newly created “Angels Opioid‑Abuse Prevention Initiative.”
- non‑Monetary Provisions:
- Angels to publish a transparent annual report on player health monitoring.
- MLB to fund a league‑wide education program on prescription‑opioid risks.
Impact on the Los Angeles Angels Association
- Policy Overhaul:
- Implementation of real‑time prescription‑monitoring software for all players.
- Mandatory quarterly mental‑health evaluations conducted by licensed psychologists.
- Public Relations Strategy:
- Launch of the “Skaggs Legacy Campaign,” featuring community outreach and youth baseball clinics.
- Collaboration with the “Fentanyl‑Free Sports Coalition” to raise awareness nationwide.
Lessons Learned for MLB Teams and Sports Franchises
- Proactive Health Monitoring: Early detection systems can mitigate legal exposure and protect athlete well‑being.
- Clear Communication channels: Establish confidential reporting mechanisms for players to flag substance‑use concerns.
- Thorough Training: Regular workshops on the dangers of prescription medication misuse and the importance of mental‑health support.
Practical Tips for Teams facing Similar Risks
- Audit Existing Protocols: Conduct a third‑party review of medical and drug‑testing procedures every two years.
- Integrated Data Platforms: Use secure, cloud‑based health records that allow cross‑departmental access while maintaining privacy compliance (HIPAA, CCPA).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Involve players’ unions in policy advancement to ensure buy‑in and transparency.
Case Study: Post‑Settlement Compliance Check (2026)
- Independent Review Findings:
- 95 % of angels players completed the new mental‑health screening within six months.
- Prescription‑monitoring alerts reduced opioid prescriptions by 42 % compared to the 2019 baseline.
- Outcome: The Angels received a commendation from MLB’s office of Player Safety, reinforcing the effectiveness of the settlement‑driven reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why did the jury take so long to purposeful? | The case involved complex medical evidence, conflicting expert testimony, and legal nuances regarding employer liability under California law. |
| Is the settlement amount typical for MLB wrongful‑death suits? | At $33 million, it is among the highest settlements in MLB history, reflecting both the scale of the tragedy and the public pressure on the league. |
| What is the “Angels Opioid‑Abuse Prevention Initiative”? | A multi‑year program funded by the settlement that provides education, counseling, and community‑based outreach to prevent opioid misuse among athletes and fans. |
| Will MLB change its drug‑testing policy because of this case? | MLB announced a revision to its testing schedule, increasing random tests for prescription opioids and expanding the list of monitored substances. |
| How can fans support the Skaggs family? | Contribute to the scholarship fund, attend Angels community events, or donate to the “Fentanyl‑Free Sports Coalition,” which partners with the family’s advocacy efforts. |
