Former Los Angeles Angels employee jailed for 22 years over death of former Pitcher Tyler Skaggs

A former Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison on Tuesday for his role in providing the team's former pitcher Tyler Skaggs with drugs that led to his death three years ago.

Kay gave Skaggs the drugs that led to his overdose and was charged with one count of drug distribution resulting in death and one count of drug conspiracy.

He had been in prison in Fort Worth, Texas, up until his sentencing, but will likely serve the 22 years in his home state of California.

Evidence was also shown in court that Kay made derogatory comments over the phone and through email about Skaggs and his family after his February conviction. He also attacked prosecutors and jurors in those messages.

With members of Skaggs' family in attendance, one of Kay's sons read a statement in defence of him prior to sentencing. There was no reaction from either party once a verdict had been reached.

Skaggs, 27, was found dead in a Dallas hotel room on July 1, 2019, after choking to death on his vomit with a toxic mix of alcohol and various drugs in his system, according to a coroner's report.

The trial included testimony from five major league players who said they received oxycodone pills from Kay at various times from 2017-19, the years Kay was accused of obtaining pills and giving them to players at Angel Stadium.

Kay also used drugs himself, according to testimony and court documents.