Josh Hamilton relapse of Drug abuse

Earlier in the day there were reports of MLB officials looking to meet with Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton in New York. You knew something about this wasn’t good and based on his history …MLB wasn’t asking Hamilton to come to New York to consult with him about updating their logo.There were stories buzzing on twitter and the internet about what this was about so here it goes:

According to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, the circumstances are what we feared most, as he’s hearing that Hamilton willingly confessed to suffering a relapse in his battle with drug addiction.

Jon Heyman        ✔ @JonHeymanCBS Follow

Hear hamilton had relapse. Believe occurred a couple months back. Involved at least cocaine. Honorably, he confessed.

7:57 PM – 25 Feb 2015

Jon HeymanVerified account ‏@JonHeymanCBS 9h9 hours ago

There’s no word of a failed test. Word is, Hamilton told mlb about relapse. He’d be put in program as 1st time offender.

There was another report that conflicted with Heyman’s take on the punishment for Hamilton…

Bill Shaikin        ✔ @BillShaikin Follow

Hearing it’s unlikely Josh Hamilton would be treated as a first-time offender if — and this is not confirmed — he had drug relapse.

8:48 PM – 25 Feb 2015

In either case, this is a major setback for the Angels and their high priced outfielder. Hamilton has battled addiction issues before with the Texas Rangers which led to being suspended 2003-2005, but recovered from his drug and alcohol addiction to win the American League MVP award in 2010, play in two World Series for the Texas Rangers, and sign a $125 million free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels following the 2012 season. As a part of that contract, Hamilton was required to take three drug tests a week, so it’s interesting to note that Heyman hasn’t heard of a failed test.

Even though he has been down this road before one would hope that admitting his relapse is a good sign of wanting to get the needed help to recover from his addiction. It’s a ;long road back and shouldn’t be rushed regardless of how much money he makes, this is his life. This is the first step toward reclaiming himself.