Report: Josh Hamilton confesses relapse to MLB officials
We're learning some new information about the circumstances surrounding Josh Hamilton's visit to MLB headquarters Wednesday regarding a "disciplinary issue" that was reportedly worse than a possible "PED" violation.
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.
Hear hamilton had relapse. Believe occurred a couple months back. Involved at least cocaine. Honorably, he confessed.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 26, 2015
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.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 26, 2015
Forbes writer Maury Brown tweeted a similar report just prior to Heyman's, citing Hamilton's father-in-law.
Josh Hamilton has "hit a bump in the road" according to father-in-law. Hearing this is (yet again) drug of abuse. Prior prob w/coke, alcohol
— Maury Brown (@BizballMaury) February 26, 2015
All signs are pointing to this being the story, which is obviously an unfortunate turn for a man who has worked hard to get his life back on track.
Hamilton was previously suspended from 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.
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Heyman also believes Hamilton would be considered a first-time offender, presumably because his past suspension occurred before he was on the major league roster. As such, Hamilton would not be subject to a suspension as long he complies with the league's program. He could still face a 15- to 25- game ban however if he doesn't comply, but his coming forward suggests he's trying to do the right thing by himself and by the league's standards.
For what it's worth, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times disagrees with Heyman's take.
Hearing it's unlikely Josh Hamilton would be treated as a first-time offender if -- and this is not confirmed -- he had drug relapse.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) February 26, 2015
Obviously, the details surrounding Hamilton's status are not set in stone. We've yet to hear anything official from the league, the Angels or anyone from Hamilton's camp. These are just dots being connected based on information from sources close to the situation. But regardless of the details, here's hoping the next step Hamilton takes brings him one step closer to being happy and healthy.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
