Former Angels pitcher Morin admits to secretive drug use with Skaggs

In Santa Ana, California, a former teammate of the late Tyler Skaggs, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, shared revealing insights during the Skaggs family's lawsuit against the team. Mike Morin, a former pitcher, disclosed to jurors that he, Skaggs, and Angels communications employee Eric Kay were discreet about their illegal drug use back in the 2017 season. Morin confessed that he kept his knowledge of the illicit drugs to himself, not even confiding in his wife or family. He emphasized his awareness of the illegal nature of their actions and speculated on Skaggs' motives, suggesting that Skaggs desired secrecy around his activities. When pressed about Skaggs' responsibility for the fatal events in a Texas hotel room, Morin, after a contemplative pause, asserted that Skaggs was indeed accountable for his actions. This stance aligns with the Angels' defense, emphasizing Skaggs' own decisions leading to his accidental drug overdose in 2019 and absolving the team of responsibility. The Angels have maintained that they were unaware of Skaggs' drug issues and their connection to Kay's drug distribution activities. However, the Skaggs family's legal team alleges that the Angels endangered Skaggs by retaining Kay despite their knowledge of his actions. Morin detailed how he was introduced to Kay by Skaggs in 2017, unaware of Kay's illicit activities until then. He recounted instances of pill consumption with Skaggs, describing their discreet exchanges and secretive consumption in the clubhouse restroom. The former player reflected on the intense pressures within professional baseball, emphasizing the challenges faced by players striving to remain in the major leagues. Morin expressed remorse for his past actions, acknowledging that his approach to injuries was misguided and setting a cautionary example for young players. Testimony continues in the trial, with future witnesses expected to delve into the potential earnings Skaggs could have accrued throughout his career.