OC Register: Report: DEA launching probe into how Angels’ Tyler Skaggs obtained drugs

[AngelsWin.com]

The Drug Enforcement Administration has launched an investigation to determine where Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs obtained the drugs that were in his system at the time of his July 1 death in Southlake, Texas, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” reported on Wednesday.

An autopsy released Aug. 30 found evidence of fentanyl, oxycodone and ethanol in Skaggs’ system when he was found dead in his hotel room. The fentanyl drew the attention of federal investigators, the report, which quoted anonymous sources, said. The report noted that the DEA frequently gets involved in fentanyl cases in an effort to track down the source of the drug.

The powerful synthetic opioid has been linked to a number of high-profile drug-related deaths, including musicians Prince, Tom Petty and Mac Miller. Finding the sources who are behind the distribution of fentanyl has become a high priority.

Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room before the first game of a road trip against the Texas Rangers, having choked on his own vomit.

One federal law enforcement agent, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ESPN that fentanyl has been showing up “everywhere, even in marijuana.”

Skaggs’ family retained prominent attorney Rusty Hardin to represent them when the Southlake Police Department opened its investigation into the pitcher’s death. The family is also seeking to learn how Skaggs came into possession of the opioids that contributed to his death, including who supplied them.

In a statement released by the family when the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office released its autopsy report on Aug. 30, it was suggested that an Angels employee might have been responsible for supplying the drugs.

“We were shocked to learn that it may involve an employee of the Los Angeles Angels. We will not rest until we learn the truth about how Tyler came into possession of these narcotics, including who supplied them,” the statement said.

The ESPN report confirmed that no Angels team employee has been connected to Skaggs’ death or targeted as of yet in the investigation being conducted by the Southlake PD.

“We continue to cooperate with law enforcement on this important matter,” Angels team spokesperson Marie Garvey said in statement in the ESPN report.

After the autopsy report came out, it was reported that Major League Baseball will conduct its own investigation into the matter.

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[yk9001]

There's a clubhouse attendant sweating up a storm right now.

[Troll Daddy]

21 minutes ago, yk9001 said:

There's a clubhouse attendant sweating up a storm right now.

I suppose he was black too 

[Blarg]

[ten ocho recon scout]

In all honesty, i dont see this going anywhere....

Be tough to prove anything, unless skaggs had texted someone "sell me drugs" and they find that on his phone. (Then prove this person actually did).

The lawsuit is a different story. But criminal law? Good luck.

Also, as far as the lawsuit. IMO, unless it was team sanctioned, i think its BS. An employee does something behind the scenes, Im not sure how thats on the employer. The majority of people i arrest arent at work... i dont blame their boss for what they do on their own time.

[budice0]

Since Life Insurance likely doesn't payoff for an OD.  

The Family prolly needs money and would go after

the Angels for some sort of Wrongful Death

suit.

 

Wouldn't be surprised if the Angels settled with

the family to keep things calm.  And obviously 

feel for the family situation.

[Lou]

5 minutes ago, budice0 said:

The Family prolly needs money 

Skaggs made over $9 million in his career

[yk9001]

1 hour ago, Lou said:

Skaggs made over $9 million in his career

Have you seen what pharmaceutical drugs cost in this country?

[angelsnationtalk]

I hope this doesn't become more of a mess than it already is.

[eligrba]

2 hours ago, Lou said:

Skaggs made over $9 million in his career

But now the family will need to pay for parking at the stadium. 

[yk9001]

Can we merge all the DEA/Opioids threads?

[yvangelfan]

I've never heard of an ethanol overdose. How do you do ethanol?

[Jay]

14 minutes ago, yvangelfan said:

I've never heard of an ethanol overdose. How do you do ethanol?

Typically from a bottle or can.

 

[yvangelfan]

Just now, Jay said:

Typically from a bottle or can.

 

Do you drink it or spray it on something?  Where do you purchase it?

[yvangelfan]

 I googled it. It's a by product of alcohol. I get the picture now. Damn.

[Slegnaac]

On 9/19/2019 at 5:31 AM, Lou said:

Skaggs made over $9 million in his career

Less agent fees and taxes.  Two things that are hard to avoid. 

[Lou]

2 hours ago, Slegnaac said:

Less agent fees and taxes.  Two things that are hard to avoid. 

Oh yeah, he was poor. 

[failos]

MLB needs to allow cannabis use so players don’t get hooked on pills

[Ender]

1 hour ago, failos said:

MLB needs to allow cannabis use so players don’t get hooked on pills

I don't believe they really test for marijuana in the MLB. Minor Leagues yes definitely, but I don't think MLB cares.

[tdawg87]

1 hour ago, failos said:

MLB needs to allow cannabis use so players don’t get hooked on pills

Jered Weaver smoked a blunt before every start.

[ten ocho recon scout]

5 hours ago, Ender said:

I don't believe they really test for marijuana in the MLB. Minor Leagues yes definitely, but I don't think MLB cares.

This is correct