Tim Mead Admits Searching Eric Kay’s Desk for Drugs Amid Lawsuit

UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, former Los Angeles Angels communications chief Tim Mead revealed during testimony on October 25, 2023, that he searched the desk of his former employee, Eric Kay, three times for drugs. This shocking admission comes as part of the ongoing wrongful death civil suit filed by the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who tragically died in 2019.

The courtroom in Santa Ana, California, was on edge as Mead recounted his concerns over Kay’s behavior leading up to Skaggs’ death. Kay, convicted in 2022 for providing the fentanyl-laced pill that caused Skaggs’ overdose, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence. Mead stated, “I had suspicions and doubts but never found anything,” emphasizing the emotional weight of his decisions.

This testimony marks the first day in a trial that could have significant implications for the Angels organization. Skaggs’ family is seeking $118 million in lost wages and damages, further highlighting the stakes involved.

Mead’s candid reflections revealed the complexities of his relationship with Kay, whom he described as struggling with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder. Despite his suspicions about Kay’s drug use, Mead insisted he believed Kay was only mismanaging prescription medications. “I tried to help an individual and his family,” Mead stated, defending his actions under scrutiny from plaintiff’s attorney Rusty Hardin.

The tension in the courtroom intensified as Hardin pressed Mead about his decisions regarding Kay, suggesting that Mead had at times acted as if he were “playing God.” Mead firmly disagreed, maintaining that he was trying to assist Kay in navigating his challenges.

Throughout his testimony, Mead recounted numerous incidents from 2013 to 2019 that raised alarms about Kay’s behavior, including a hospitalization in 2018 and failed interventions with the employee assistance program. Yet, he admitted that he never reported Kay’s troubling actions to higher-ups at the Angels.

The trial revealed a troubling pattern of neglect regarding Kay’s behavior, including allegations of an affair with an intern and unprofessional conduct towards another. Mead’s decision to withhold certain incidents from HR drew sharp questioning from Hardin, who pointed out the potential violations of the Angels’ drug policy.

As the courtroom drama unfolds, the implications of Mead’s testimony could sway the jury’s perception of the Angels’ responsibility in Skaggs’ tragic death. The trial will resume on Friday, October 27, 2023, when further revelations are expected that may impact the ongoing case.

This case is not just about money; it strikes at the heart of how organizations handle employee welfare and the devastating consequences of addiction. The emotional weight is palpable as the Skaggs family seeks justice in a case that could change how sports organizations approach mental health and drug use among players and staff.

Stay tuned for live updates as this critical trial progresses and the broader implications for the sports community come to light.