MLB Pitcher Wade Miley Reportedly Accused as Drug Supplier in Tyler Skaggs Case
In a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the 2019 overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, current Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley has been named in a new court filing as a possible late-stage drug supplier, according to an ESPN report.
The allegation surfaced in documents filed in connection to the case of Eric Kay, the former Los Angeles Angels communications director, who was convicted in 2022 for distributing the drugs that led to Skaggs’ death.
While Miley has not been charged with any crime, his name has reportedly been submitted as part of a civil suit brought forth by Skaggs’ family. The family is seeking to hold the Angels organization accountable for the events that contributed to Tyler’s tragic passing.
⚖️ What the Filing Says
The new allegations come from attorneys representing Skaggs’ family, who claim that multiple players, including Miley, were involved in sharing or supplying opioids to Skaggs in the months before his death.
According to the filing, Miley allegedly provided oxycodone pills to Skaggs after the left-hander had stopped receiving drugs from Kay. These allegations are based on witness testimonies and phone records, though full details remain under court seal.
It is important to note that no criminal action has been taken against Miley, and the claims remain part of a civil lawsuit, not a federal indictment.
⚾ Wade Miley Responds
As of this writing, neither Wade Miley nor his legal representatives have publicly responded to the allegations. The Cincinnati Reds organization also declined comment, stating they were “aware of the reports and gathering information.”
Miley, a 37-year-old veteran pitcher, re-signed with the Reds this past offseason and was expected to play a rotational role in 2025. His reputation throughout his career has been largely positive, making these new accusations all the more shocking to the baseball world.
🧪 Background: The Tragic Death of Tyler Skaggs
Tyler Skaggs was found dead in a hotel room in Southlake, Texas, on July 1, 2019, just hours before a scheduled game against the Texas Rangers. A toxicology report revealed a fatal combination of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone, leading to what authorities ruled as an accidental overdose.
The ensuing investigation rocked Major League Baseball, uncovering a broader culture of opioid abuse behind the scenes. It ultimately led to the conviction of Eric Kay, who is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.
Kay was found guilty of distributing the drugs that directly contributed to Skaggs’ death, but the latest filings suggest a wider network of player involvement—including names that had not been previously disclosed.
🏛️ Legal Experts Caution Against Jumping to Conclusions
Legal analysts urge caution in interpreting the latest court filings.
“Being named in a civil filing does not mean the individual is guilty of anything,” said former federal prosecutor Angela Martin. “This is part of a broader strategy by the plaintiffs to build a case of institutional negligence.”
She notes that Miley’s alleged role, if true, may complicate the narrative of one bad actor (Kay) and could potentially open MLB and the Angels to deeper liability.
🧊 Impact on MLB and Player Conduct Policies
The league has already implemented sweeping changes since Skaggs’ death, including mandatory opioid testing and expanded drug education. However, the suggestion that active players may have played roles in illicit drug distribution raises serious questions about how deeply the issue ran.
MLB officials have not commented specifically on the mention of Wade Miley but reiterated their commitment to “ensuring a drug-free environment.”
If more names continue to emerge, the fallout could extend beyond reputational damage—potentially prompting further investigations or congressional scrutiny.