Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has struggled with alcohol and drug abuse throughout his career, reportedly had a relapse. He met with Major League Baseball officials about potential discipline, but there’s no word on if he failed an MLB drug test.
Hamilton admitted to a drug binge a few months ago that included using cocaine, CBS Sports reports.
The meeting was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto did confirm to the paper that Hamilton was in New York to meet with the league, but did not give any further details.
An MLB spokesman would not comment and Hamilton’s agent, Michael Moye, has yet to comment. However, Newsday’s Steven Marcus spoke with Michael Chadwick, Hamilton’s father-in-law. He said Hamilton “hit a bump in the road, keep him in your prayers.”
According to CBS Sports, Hamilton could be considered a first-time offender by the MLB, if he did fail a drug test. However, reports say that is “unlikely,” due to his past. While in the minors, he was suspended from 2004 to 2006. He initially returned to baseball in 2007 with the Reds, but then moved to the Texas Rangers, where he had incredible success as a fearsome slugger. He won the MVP in 2010 and took the Rangers to two consecutive World Series.
After losing the second of those two Series, Hamilton, 33, signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Angels. He is entering his third year with the team, where he has consistently struggled. In two seasons, he has struggled to stay healthy and has only hit .255.
Hamilton has not reported for Spring Training, as the Angels let him rehab from shoulder surgery at a friend’s ranch in Houston.
image via Twitter from SI