Josh Hamilton has struggled with addiction for many years and failed numerous drug tests. Though he was struggling on the field, Hamilton seemed to be dealing with his addiction until he suffered a relapse that could now greatly affect his career (well mostly how much he’ll get paid) and if he leaves the game for a significant period of time. Details of how he suffered this relapse are now coming to light.
Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told Yahoo Sports that Hamilton has told people his latest spiral began around Super Bowl weekend after a fight with his wife. Because he cannot carry cash or credit cards, Hamilton wrote himself a check to cash. He wound up at a strip club and used cocaine.
A decision by Major League Baseball and a decision could come as soon as this week.
MLB officials believe Hamilton should be suspended, with the still-undetermined length falling somewhere between 25 games and one year. The union, however, is arguing for a minimal penalty, perhaps 15 games, with greater emphasis placed on a treatment program — during the first 30 days of which Hamilton would still receive his full salary.
Hamilton is scheduled to make $25 million this season. He is in the third year of a five-year, $125 million deal with the Angels. If he is sent into a rehabilitation program, he would be owed his full salary for 30 days, then half his salary for the next 30 days — a total of $6.2 million. If he is suspended and not in treatment, he would not be paid.
