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Josh Hamilton Faces Suspension After Latest Relapse

By Jon Flint

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Just when things couldn’t it get any worse for the Los Angeles Angels and Josh Hamilton, multiple reports indicate a drug relapse. Hamilton met with MLB officials in New York today and word is he admitted to drug use that includes cocaine.

The Angels are said to be preparing themselves for the worst as MLB prepares to usher a suspension that could very well set a new record. Hamilton is already expected to miss 2-3 months following shoulder surgery, of which will not count towards a potential ban. Alex Rodriguez’ 162-game suspension is currently the longest ban handed out by MLB for violating the substance abuse policy.

All this chaos and at a time the Angels’ $125 million man was looking to rebound from abysmal 2013 and 2014 seasons. Whether is was the pressure of living up to expectation in Los Angeles or a mounted frustration over his recent injury, Hamilton’s demons have again got the best of him. Shortly before the news broke, Hamilton’s father-in-law Michael Chadwick hinted at a relapse and asked fans to pray for Josh:

Josh Hamilton was initially suspended by MLB after failing a drug test during the Tampa Bay Rays’ 2003 Spring Training. The Rays had sent their former first overall draft pick to the Betty Ford Center, but to no success. Hamilton bounced around drug and alcohol rehab programs and was eventually suspended for the entire 2003 season. His life spiraled further out of control and was marred with more arrests and suspensions.

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Hamilton met Michael Chadwick in 2006, a businessman who would become his accountability partner and eventually his father in law. Chadwick got Hamilton back on track and in 2006, the former South Atlantic League All Star game MVP was again working out with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Chicago Cubs selected Hamilton in the 2006 Rule-5 Draft and then traded his rights to the Cincinnati Reds. Hamilton seven years removed from being drafted as an amateur by the time he made his MLB debut.

The Texas Rangers acquired Josh Hamilton not long after his Rookie of the Year campaign. Hamilton established himself as one of the best sluggers in MLB while in Texas, winning the 2010 AL MVP award and leading the Rangers to back-to-back AL pennants. Hamilton bolted for Anaheim following the 2012 season. As part of the contract he signed with the Angels, Hamilton is required to drug test at least three times a week. There is, however, no language that would void his deal for violation of the MLB substance abuse policy.

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