UPDATE: In a high-stakes courtroom exchange, the ex-wife of Eric Kay has doubled down on explosive claims regarding drug use among Angels players during flights. This revelation comes during the ongoing wrongful death trial concerning the tragic overdose of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
During her testimony on October 28, 2023, Camela Kay faced intense questioning from the Angels’ attorney, Todd Theodora, who challenged her account of illicit drug use on a team plane. Kay stood firm, asserting she witnessed players “passing out pills and drinking alcohol excessively” on team flights, while also acknowledging her perspective was shaped by a single flight and information relayed by her ex-husband, who is currently incarcerated for his involvement in Skaggs’ death.
“Do you realize, it is extremely damaging to the team for the word to get out that people are passing around Percocets and Xanax on the plane like it is candy?” Theodora pressed. Camela Kay responded emphatically, “I’m telling you what happened on the plane. I testified to seeing what was going on behind me.”
When asked if she believed there was rampant drug use on Angels flights, Kay replied, “Yes.” Theodora’s line of questioning revealed gaps in her recollections, including uncertainty about where she was seated during the alleged incident.
As the trial unfolds in Santa Ana, jurors must determine whether the Angels organization was aware of Kay supplying drugs to players like Skaggs prior to the fatal incident in July 2019, when Skaggs died after consuming a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl.
On the witness stand, star outfielder Mike Trout testified he was unaware of any illicit drug use among teammates. Theodora challenged Kay, asking if Trout, a prominent figure in the team, might have more insight into players’ drug use. “Do you think Mike Trout might be in a better position than you to testify as to whether players were using illicit drugs?” he queried. Kay conceded, “Yes.”
Significantly, jurors heard that Eric Kay is serving a sentence of over 20 years for providing the counterfeit pill that led to Skaggs’ death. Kay’s ex-wife claimed that Angels employees had previously discovered pills in Eric’s bedroom and that she had informed an Angels employee about Eric’s drug dealings before Skaggs’ tragic demise.
Camela Kay expressed remorse over her allegations, responding to Theodora’s inquiry about her feelings regarding the claims made during the trial. The ongoing legal battle raises critical questions about the responsibilities of sports organizations in addressing substance abuse among players.
The Angels maintain they had no knowledge of Eric Kay’s actions and assert that Skaggs made the decision to mix substances leading to his death. As the trial continues, further testimony is expected, shedding light on the complex issues surrounding drug use in professional sports.
As this case continues to develop, it remains a pivotal moment for the Angels and the entire sports community, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action against substance abuse within professional athletics. Testimony is set to resume on Wednesday.
