Matt Harvey’s admission that he supplied opioids to Tyler Skaggs could land him in hot water with Major League Baseball if he is signed by a team for 2022, according to a report.
An MLB official told ESPN’s T.J. Quinn that Harvey’s court testimony qualifies as distribution under MLB’s drug policy. Under the league’s previous drug policy, Harvey could be suspended for at least 60 days for supplying other players with drugs.
No action could be taken against Harvey without a new labor agreement, however. That process remains ongoing, but it does mean Harvey will not be suspended anytime soon. MLB promised a “comprehensive review” upon the conclusion of the trial relating to Skaggs’ 2019 death.
Harvey admitted in court Tuesday that he provided Skaggs with oxycodone, and also testified that he had previously used cocaine. Harvey was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, meaning he may not be criminally prosecuted for anything he said in his testimony unless he is shown to have lied under oath.
Skaggs died in 2019 and was found to have fentanyl and oxycodone in his system. Eric Kay, the Angels’ former director of communications, is facing felony charges for allegedly providing Skaggs with the opioids that led to the pitcher’s death.
