Matt Harvey: Former Mets’ Dark Knight with a Dark Past
The fall from grace for former New York Mets starter Matt Harvey took a disturbing turn Tuesday, when he admitted to cocaine use while as a member of the Mets during testimony in the Tyler Skaggs death case. Harvey was granted immunity to testify; he was a former teammate of Staggs while with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2019. Skaggs died of an apparent drug overdose; his body was found in a Texas hotel in July of 2019 after choking on his own vomit.
The main suspect in the case is Eric Kay, who is accused of providing the drugs to the late pitcher.
As for Harvey, his admission to cocaine use is another twist in a long, sad story downward for a pitcher who was on top of the world in 2013 when he was the Mets staff ace, and starter in that year’s All Star Game. However Harvey’s career in New York started heading south after he was absent from a number of team activities due to late night partying. He was even suspended a game in 2017.
According to reports, Harvey even contemplated suicide during his tenure in New York.
His former manager, Terry Collins also addressed the reports, saying the On Baseball Night in New York, Terry Collins joins the show to talk about Matt Harvey and his suspected drug use during his time with the Mets.https://t.co/zrsuNKuliC pic.twitter.com/myTq796g7g
Matt Harvey testifies with immunity that he was a “partier” who used cocaine at the trial of ex Angels pr person Eric Kay, who is charged in Skaggs’ tragic death. A friend says Harvey got help after 2019 and is finally “on the correct course.” https://t.co/EnGs5gmnkv
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 15, 2022
Matt Harvey burst onto the scene & was one of the best pitchers in MLB in his first 3 seasons.
— Mathew Brownstein (@MBrownstein89) February 15, 2022
This is just a reminder that fame, success & longevity are extremely difficult to maintain with so many temptations & bad influences.
I hope Harvey finds his way. #Mets