Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton recently told the press he had a relapse earlier this week after having three or four drinks at a Dallas-area bar. The recovering drug addict explained he had a weak moment that he would make sure didn’t happen again.
Josh Hamilton was suspended for more than three years after having drug and alcohol problems while playing for Tampa Bay. The 30-year old missed the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons but came back to be one of the best players in the league and was awarded AL MVP for 2010 on a team that won two American League pennants. I have no idea why everyone is busting the star’s balls. He just had a few drinks at a bar and barely got a buzz from it. It was also the first time he had an alcohol-related relapse since 2009, so I really think the press and his fans need to cut him some slack.
By the way, Josh Hamilton didn’t do any drugs and explained that he had been tested twice since Monday when he had the relapse. I wouldn’t be surprised if he drank on occassion since 2009. The only reason I think Josh Hamilton came public with the relapse was because he was afraid of someone ratting him out to the Rangers organization.
The Rangers were aware of Josh Hamilton’s drinking problems since 2007 when they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds and enforced a zero-tolerance policy towards his drinking. I think the Rangers are being a little too extreme. Josh Hamilton had a strong 2011 season after batting .298 with 25 homers and 94 RBIs. He also missed 36 games early in the season because of a broken bone in his arm. At the end of the day, Josh Hamilton is clearly an amazing athlete and its sad to see the media try to make him out to be an enemy. He’s worked hard for the Rangers and hasn’t had a relapse for three years.
I don’t even see how you can consider a few drinks a relapse. If Josh Hamilton really did have drinking problems, he would have gotten plastered and made a fool of himself. Oh well, what can we do about this messed up world? Screw you media and good luck with everything Josh Hamilton.
