A prominent orthopedic surgeon testified on December 3, 2023, that he was unaware of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ struggles with opioid addiction when he performed Tommy John surgery on him in March 2014. Dr. Neal ElAttrache provided this statement during the ongoing wrongful death trial concerning Skaggs’ tragic passing in 2019, which has raised significant questions about the knowledge and responsibilities of those involved with Skaggs’ care.
Dr. ElAttrache’s statements contradicted earlier claims made by Skaggs’ mother, who asserted that the surgeon was informed about her son’s addiction to painkillers prior to the surgery. The case hinges on whether the Angels organization had access to Skaggs’ medical records, particularly given that the surgery was a workers’ compensation issue. This detail plays a crucial role in understanding what the team knew about Skaggs’ opioid use and when they became aware of it.
During his testimony, attorney Stephen Ladsous asked Dr. ElAttrache, “Were you ever advised by Tyler Skaggs or anyone in his family that Tyler had a previous issue with opioids?” The surgeon replied, “I can’t recall ever having that discussion.” He emphasized that he had never associated Skaggs with opioid problems and confirmed that he prescribed Percocet and oxycodone to assist Skaggs’ recovery from the surgery.
Had he known about Skaggs’ opioid issues, Dr. ElAttrache stated he would have referred him to a pain management specialist. He explained, “I want to know what is available to me, and if the typical ways to relieve pain are not available, there are other options we can pursue. But we can’t go bare after surgery.”
Evidence presented during the trial indicates that Skaggs frequently used illicit opioids, which were reportedly obtained by Eric Kay, a communications staffer for the Angels. Testimony revealed that Skaggs informed several teammates that Kay could procure pills for them as well. Tragically, Skaggs died in a hotel room in Texas on July 1, 2019, after consuming a counterfeit pill provided by Kay that contained fentanyl, along with oxycodone and alcohol. Kay is currently serving a prison sentence for his involvement in Skaggs’ death.
Family members have documented that Skaggs disclosed his issues with Percocet in 2013 while he was playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, they, along with Skaggs’ wife and agent Ryan Hamill, have stated they were unaware that his illicit opioid use continued after his trade to the Angels in 2014. Hamill remarked, “I did not think he was using. I never saw any signs.”
As the trial progresses, defense attorneys for the Angels have focused on Skaggs’ attempts to conceal his addiction. They are expected to argue that Skaggs’ efforts to hide his drug use impeded the team’s ability to assist him and potentially prevent his death.
The legal team for the Angels has also challenged claims made by former players that the pressures of professional baseball contributed to their reliance on illicit opioids. In a notable text exchange from August 2018, Skaggs expressed discomfort after a pitching start and requested a “dose pack” of anti-inflammatory steroids from Hamill. Though Hamill informed Skaggs that teams often provided such packs freely, he declined to procure one illegally for him.
Hamill acknowledged that teams have since reduced their use of dose packs due to concerns over liver damage, stating, “I’d say they were one of the first teams to pull back on handing them out,” referring to the Angels.
Meanwhile, employees within the Angels’ front office, particularly in communication and human resources, have denied any knowledge of Kay’s opioid addiction or his role in providing pills to players. Nevertheless, several individuals within the clubhouse and Kay’s ex-wife have testified that Kay’s addiction was widely recognized among the team, raising questions about the organization’s awareness.
The trial will resume on December 5, 2023, at the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, where further testimony is expected to shed light on this complex case.
