Report: Josh Hamilton's drug relapse occurred shortly after fight with wife

An altercation with his wife allegedly fueled Los Angeles Angels star Josh Hamilton's drug relapse. 

Hamilton reportedly got into a fight with his wife around Super Bowl weekend in late January, early February, which set off a chain of events that ended with the 2010 American League MVP using cocaine at a strip club, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. 

The Angels outfielder, who is not allowed to carry money or credit cards on him because of his drug addiction, wrote himself a check to cash before using the stimulant, Passan noted. 

Hamilton met with Major League Baseball officials in New York City shortly after admitting to his relapse and prior to his next scheduled drug test. His fate now reportedly rests in an arbitrator's hands, and he could potentially face a severe suspension if he's found to violate his treatment program.

The 33-year-old must undergo three drug tests per week for past infractions, for which he served three suspensions and a three-year ban from the sport. 

Hamilton, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, is entering the third year of a five-year pact he signed with the Angels in December 2012.