Angels' Hamilton facing MLB discipline, reportedly had relapse involving cocaine, alcohol
Josh Hamilton appears to be in hot water with Major League Baseball, again.
The Los Angeles Angels slugger met with MLB officials Wednesday about a disciplinary issue, reports Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, Hamilton, who has a history of addiction problems with cocaine and alcohol, had a relapse involving "at least cocaine," and informed baseball officials. A source later informed the New York Daily News that Hamilton's relapse also involved alcohol.
The Angels are bracing for possible penalties, but general manager Jerry Dipoto refused to tip his cap regarding what the meeting was about.
"I can say that Josh is going to meet with league officials in New York," Dipoto said. "At this point I have no other information to offer."
Hamilton's locker at the team's spring training facility is vacant, and the outfielder is rehabilitating from February shoulder surgery at a friend's ranch in Houston. It was already reported Hamilton would miss at least the first month of the season due to the injury.
Hamilton's substance abuse issues have resulted in multiple suspensions and rehabilitation stints throughout his career. Drafted in 1999, he didn't make his MLB debut until 2007, after being suspended from 2004-06. He had alcohol relapses in 2009 and 2012.
Heyman adds that there's no word Hamilton failed a drug test, and that he would be placed in baseball's drug program as a first-time offender.
#MLB discipline for Josh Hamilton would be at commissioner's discretion. He is outside standard program because of failed tests in minors.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 26, 2015
Earlier Wednesday, a tweet from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal suggested the situation was quite serious:
Asked a baseball executive if Hamilton’s discipline was for PEDs. His response: “Worse.” The executive declined to elaborate.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 25, 2015
Hamilton's father-in-law also offered a vague response when asked about the situation:
Josh Hamilton's father-in-law Michael Chadwick said player has ``hit a bump in the road, keep him in your prayers.''
— steven marcus (@newsdaymarcus) February 25, 2015
Hypothetically, if Hamilton was suspended for 50 games or the season for a drug relapse, the Angels would not be liable for his $25.4-million salary.