Tuesday 17 May 2022 10:10 PM Orioles' Matt Harvey gets 60-game ban for drug distribution following testimony ... trends now
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Matt Harvey has received a 60-game suspension for distributing drugs three months after testifying that he gave oxycodone to his deceased Los Angeles Angels teammate Tyler Skaggs, who suffered a fatal overdose in 2019.
Harvey also admitted to cocaine use in his February testimony at the trial of Eric Prescott Kay, the former Angels employee who was ultimately convicted of providing Skaggs with the drugs that led to his overdose death. Kay will be sentenced on June 28 for drug distribution resulting in death, and faces anywhere from 20 years to life in prison.
The commissioner's office announced the ban on Tuesday, stating that Harvey will be suspended without pay for violating MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Harvey, a 33-year-old right-hander, agreed last month to a minor league contract with the Orioles that would have a $1 million salary if he is added to the 40-man roster. He has been working out at Baltimore's extended spring training facility and has not pitched in any games.
The 60-game ban will be retroactive to April 29.
Skaggs, 27, was found dead July 1, 2019, in a suburban Dallas hotel room after the team had traveled from Los Angeles for a series with the Texas Rangers. A coroner's report said Skaggs had choked to death on his vomit with a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone in his system.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Matt Harvey has received a 60-game suspension for distributing drugs three months after testifying that he gave oxycodone to his deceased Los Angeles Angels teammate Tyler Skaggs, who suffered a fatal overdose in 2019
Skaggs, 27, was found dead July 1, 2019, in a suburban Dallas hotel room after the team had traveled from Los Angeles and before the start of what was supposed to be a four-game series against the Texas Rangers. A coroner's report said Skaggs had choked to death on his vomit, and a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone were in his system
Former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay walks out of federal court where he is on trial for federal drug distribution and conspiracy charges, in Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Kay will be sentenced on June 28 for drug distribution resulting in death, and faces anywhere from 20 years to life in prison
Harvey was among five Major Leaguers who testified that 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. Kay also used drugs himself, according to testimony and court documents. In fact, he was only recently out of opioid rehab in 2019 when he rejoined the club.
Testifying at Kay's trial in exchange for immunity, Harvey acknowledged being a cocaine user before and during his season with the Angels in 2019. The former New York Mets star said he tried oxycodone provided by Skaggs during his season with the Angels and also provided drugs to Skaggs at various times.
Harvey said he had his own drug supplier on the East Coast, and said he got oxycodone for Skaggs from that supplier.
Kay's defense asked Harvey if he was aware of the danger of mixing
