The upcoming Eric Kay criminal trial has been an ongoing storyline surrounding the Los Angeles Angels for nearly two years. Kay is facing felony charges for distributing a controlled substance in relation to the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
He is also being charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute the opioid that led to Skaggs’ death. Recently, a list of 79 witnesses that will be presented by the prosecution was made public as per a court order.
Within that list, several names recognizable to Angels fans could be found, including long-time pitcher Andrew Heaney. Heaney is one of seven former Angels to be named on the prosecution’s list, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Matt Harvey and Andrew Heaney are among seven former Angels who have been revealed as witnesses in former Angels employee Eric Kay’s upcoming criminal trial in connection to the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
Also among the 79 witnesses presented by the prosecution are C.J. Cron, Garrett Richards, Blake Parker, Cam Bedrosian and Michael Morin.
In addition, former Angels head of public relations Tim Mead plans to testify regarding the work ethic and former wrongdoings of Kay prior to the criminal charges. It was also revealed what the former Angels players plan to do with their testimonies.
Richards will testify that Kay approached him about acquiring his unused oxycodone medication.
Harvey, Cron, Parker and Morin will testify to their interactions with both Kay and Skaggs, and that Kay provided oxycodone to Skaggs and others. They’ll testify to knowledge of Skaggs’ use of the drugs, as well as the lingo used when discussing the drugs.
Heaney will testify to his attempts to contact Skaggs on the day of Skaggs’ death, as well as provide background information on Skaggs.
Kay pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.
Skaggs passed away on July 1, 2019 in a hotel room in Arlington, Texas prior to a series against the Texas Rangers. The coroner’s report concluded that Skaggs had overdosed on a lethal combination of substances, some of which were provided illegally by Kay, an Angels’ communications director at the time.
MLB, Players Association remain very far apart
With near 100% certainty, it appears as though the start of Spring Training will be delayed due to the ongoing lockout. But there remains some hope that Opening Day can still take place on March 31, even if the two sides remain very far apart on a deal.