© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Jul 2, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; The quantity 45 in reminiscence of Tyler Skaggs is displayed on the jumbotron through the recreation between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY S
By Rory Carroll
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Former Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay, who in February was discovered responsible of distributing a managed substance to late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, was sentenced to 22 years in jail on Tuesday, the Division of Justice mentioned.
Skaggs, 27, died on July 1, 2019 whereas on a workforce journey to Texas and an post-mortem confirmed oxycodone, fentanyl, and alcohol in his system.
At trial, authorities prosecutors offered proof that Kay had distributed the capsules, together with a 30-milligram oxycodone pill that had been laced with the highly effective artificial opiate fentanyl, to Skaggs.
A number of former Angels gamers testified in federal courtroom that Kay had distributed oxycodone capsules to them as nicely and a jury shortly discovered the 48-year-old Kay responsible on two counts.
After the trial, Kay made disparaging remarks in recorded jail home calls about Skaggs, his household and the jury, the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace Northern District of Texas mentioned.
Kay’s attorneys couldn’t be instantly reached for remark however at trial they’d argued that the 2 males have been merely fellow addicts with an settlement that Skaggs would pay for his or her medication and Kay would deal with transactions, in accordance with ESPN.
In an announcement, Skaggs’ household mentioned they have been grateful to those that investigated and prosecuted Kay.
“At this time’s sentencing is not concerning the variety of years the defendant acquired. The true concern on this case is holding accountable the people who find themselves distributing the lethal drug fentanyl,” the household assertion mentioned.
“It’s killing tens of 1000’s of individuals yearly in our nation and destroying households together with it. We are going to proceed the combat to carry accountable those that allowed Kay to supply a lethal drug to Tyler. However for his or her actions, Tyler would nonetheless be with us at the moment.”
The Angels provided their assist to the household.
“On behalf of the complete Angels Group, our compassion goes out to the Skaggs household on this tough day,” Angels spokesperson Marie Garvey mentioned in an announcement.