Wade Miley, a left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, is facing allegations of supplying drugs to Tyler Skaggs, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, who tragically died from an accidental overdose in 2019.
Ryan Hamill, Skaggs’ former agent, mentioned that Skaggs had been using painkillers containing oxycodone that Miley allegedly provided. These claims are part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family against a California-based individual.
Meanwhile, Eric Kay, a former spokesman for the Angels, was convicted in Texas for distributing fentanyl-laced pills that were determined to have contributed to Skaggs’ death. He received a hefty sentence of 22 years in federal prison.
Skaggs was found dead in a hotel room in the Dallas area, just hours before what was supposed to be a game between the Angels and the Texas Rangers. It’s heartbreaking to think about the circumstances that led up to that moment.
While Miley has yet to face any criminal charges, this isn’t the first time his name has surfaced in connection with Skaggs’ passing. In fact, during the proceedings for Kay’s trial, prosecutors revealed recorded conversations where Kay identified Miley as one of Skaggs’ drug sources.
The Reds have not issued any public statements regarding the situation, leaving Miley without immediate comment.
In addition, former MLB pitcher Matt Harvey testified during Kay’s trial that he had supplied drugs to Skaggs, a claim that led to a 60-day suspension from the league. Unfortunately for him, this suspension marked the end of his major league career.
Other players recounted their experiences with drugs that they obtained from Skaggs, shedding light on recreational drug usage among some of their teammates during their time with the Angels. Harvey and Skaggs were teammates in 2019, while Miley and Skaggs played together with the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier in 2012-2013.
Hamill recounted a particular conversation from 2013 where he expressed concerns about Skaggs’ behavior. He, along with Skaggs’ parents, confronted Skaggs at home, which led to the revelation of drug use and Miley’s alleged involvement.
Now 38, Miley signed a one-year deal with the Reds on June 4 and has taken the mound twice this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery last May.
He had the option to opt-out if he didn’t make it to the major leagues by June 1 but chose to stick around Cincinnati while exploring opportunities with other teams before ultimately re-signing with the Reds.
