Saturday, February 28, 2015

Josh Hamilton Expected to be Suspended 25 Games for Drug Relapse

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton suffered a drug relapse involving the use of cocaine and alcohol in the offseason. When Hamilton realized a drug test, which is administered three times a week, would come out positive, he self-reported his relapse. 

​Image Credit: sportstalkflorida.com

Hamilton’s father-in-law, Michael Chadwick, who has previously counseled Hamilton over his substance issues, said the 33-year-old “hit a bump in the road, keep him in your prayers,” according to Newsday.

The Angels outfielder met with MLB officials in New York on Wednesday to discuss a “disciplinary issue,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Angels spokesman Tim Mead confirmed the meeting to the Associated Press.
 
Hamilton, 33, was out of baseball for nearly three years for his struggles with drugs and alcohol. He was suspended multiple times as a minor-leaguer. He came back with the Cincinnati Reds in 2007 and had five strong seasons with the Texas Rangers, in which he won an MVP in 2010. He joined the Angels in 2013 as a free agent with a $125 million contract.

One of the conditions of Hamilton's reinstatement in 2006 was that he undergo drug testing three times a week. He had alcohol relapses in 2009 and 2012, bouncing back in between to make back-to-back trips to the World Series with the Texas Rangers and win the 2010 American League MVP award.

It is very disappointing to see Josh Hamilton relapse. Seeing him sober up and make a little bit of a comeback was great to see for baseball fans. We are all pulling for him to get better. 

Christine O'Connor
@christineeeeO

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