Brian Harkins, a longstanding Los Angeles Angels clubhouse attendant, recently settled his defamation lawsuit against his former employer, bringing an end to a tumultuous three-year legal battle. The case, which involved accusations of distributing foreign substances to players, was initially dismissed by the court but later reversed on appeal. As the settlement was reached just before the scheduled trial, the specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
In March 2020, Harkins was fired from his position at Angel Stadium amid Major League Baseball’s crackdown on the use of sticky substances that enhance spin rates. For years, Harkins had been known for crafting a blend of rosin, pine tar, and a type of glue known as “Mota stick,” which pitchers found useful in maintaining grip on the ball. However, this mixture violated a memo that forbade the use of illegal substances and explicitly stated that team personnel should not facilitate their use.
Harkins’ legal team argued that their client was unfairly labeled as a scapegoat in MLB’s efforts. They pointed out that numerous individuals in the baseball industry, including players, umpires, coaches, and executives, had long turned a blind eye to the use of illegal substances for the benefit of pitchers. Harkins claimed that he never sold the concoction as a side business, although he admitted to accepting payments of up to $100 from players for it. He also asserted that he was not provided with a copy of the memo until after his dismissal.
In January 2021, MLB filed a motion to dismiss Harkins’ original defamation lawsuit. However, the opposition to the motion presented text messages from prominent pitchers, such as Gerrit Cole, who had requested Harkins’ blend. The messages also mentioned the usage of the mixture by other notable pitchers like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. This evidence strengthened Harkins’ claims and led to the reversal of the dismissal by the Orange County 4th District Court of Appeals in February 2022.
Chris Young, a former MLB executive who distributed the memo on illegal substances, and Billy Eppler, the then-General Manager of the Los Angeles Angels who initially informed Harkins of his firing, were expected to testify or provide video testimony during the trial. The involvement of these key figures added another layer of complexity to the case. While it is unclear whether their testimonies influenced the settlement, it is worth noting that both parties had been far apart in their initial settlement negotiations.
The imminent trial in Orange County Superior Court was avoided when the two sides reached a settlement over the weekend. The details of the settlement, including the amount involved, were not publicly disclosed. In the aftermath of the settlement, neither Harkins nor the Los Angeles Angels provided any further comments on the matter, issuing a brief joint statement stating, “The matter is settled.”
The Brian Harkins defamation lawsuit against the Los Angeles Angels has come to a close after a lengthy and contentious journey. The settlement brings an end to a three-year legal battle that involved allegations of distributing foreign substances to players. While the exact terms of the settlement remain unknown, it marks a significant development in a case that has garnered significant attention within the world of Major League Baseball. As with any legal dispute, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies that can arise within the sport, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the league in maintaining fair play and integrity on the field.
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