A prominent orthopedic surgeon testified on December 3, 2023, during the wrongful death trial of Tyler Skaggs that he was unaware of the late Los Angeles Angels pitcher’s opioid issues when he performed Tommy John surgery on him in 2014. Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s statements directly contradicted earlier claims made by Skaggs’ mother, who alleged that the surgeon had been informed of her son’s struggles with addiction.
The testimony raises significant questions regarding what the Angels organization knew about Skaggs’ substance use, particularly since the surgery was related to workers’ compensation. The case hinges on whether the team had access to medical records that could have indicated Skaggs’ opioid use and when they became aware of it.
During questioning by Stephen Ladsous, an attorney representing the Angels, ElAttrache stated, “I can’t recall ever having that discussion,” and emphasized that he had never connected opioid issues with Skaggs. The surgeon confirmed that he had prescribed medications such as Percocet and oxycodone to aid Skaggs’ recovery, but noted that had he known of any opioid problems, he would have referred him to a pain management specialist.
Skaggs’ substance use became a focal point in the trial, with evidence indicating that he routinely consumed illicit opioid pills provided by Eric Kay, a member of the Angels’ communications staff. This connection has raised alarms as Skaggs allegedly informed teammates that Kay could supply them with similar substances.
Tragically, Skaggs died in July 2019 in a Texas hotel room, having ingested a counterfeit pill that contained fentanyl, along with oxycodone and alcohol. Kay is currently serving time in prison for his involvement in Skaggs’ death.
Family members have acknowledged that Skaggs confided in them about issues with Percocet back in 2013 while he was playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, they, including Skaggs’ wife and agent, maintain that they were unaware of his continued illicit opioid use after he joined the Angels in 2014. Ryan Hamill, Skaggs’ agent, stated, “I did not think he was using. I never saw any signs.”
As the defense presented its case, the Angels’ attorneys focused on Skaggs’ efforts to conceal his addiction, suggesting that this behavior complicated the team’s ability to assist him. They are expected to argue that Skaggs’ attempts to hide his drug use made it impossible for the organization to intervene effectively.
In one notable text exchange from August 2018, Skaggs expressed frustration over his inability to obtain a prescribed “dose pack” of anti-inflammatory steroids. Hamill informed Skaggs that teams generally distributed these packs freely but declined to obtain one for him due to its illegality. Hamill acknowledged that teams have since reduced their reliance on such dose packs due to their potential harm to players’ livers.
During the trial, employees within the Angels organization, including those in communication and human resources, denied knowledge of Kay’s opioid addiction and his provision of pills to players. In contrast, several clubhouse members and Kay’s ex-wife testified that Kay’s addiction issues were known within the team.
The trial paused on Thursday but is set to resume on Friday at the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. The ongoing proceedings continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding Skaggs’ tragic death and the extent of the Angels’ knowledge regarding his struggles with addiction.
