Angels' Wilson questions ownership's goals in Hamilton comments

by
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA TODAY Sports

While Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno isn't going to bat for slugger Josh Hamilton, one of his teammates is. 

"It doesn't seem like any bridges are being built — it seems like a fairly contentious situation," Wilson told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times

"It's definitely at a level right now. No one is talking to us about it. We're supposed to stay out of the loop. But it's fairly obvious what their intentions are."

Despite an arbitrator ruling last week that Hamilton didn't violate the terms of his drug treatment program following a substance-abuse relapse, Moreno said Friday that the team has separate language in Hamilton's contract regarding drug and alcohol use. 

Wilson questioned his owner's decision to publicly say that the team might pursue action against Hamilton. 

"I don't know what their goals in this situation are," Wilson told Pedro Moura of the Orange County Register. "They have goals. They have reactions, they have feelings, all that stuff."

Hamilton's relationship with Wilson extends beyond the last two years they've spent together in Los Angeles as the pair played four seasons with the Texas Rangers

"I care about him, and I care way more about him than a lot of people do," Wilson said. "In the grand scheme of things, it seems like he doesn't have a constant problem.

"Let’s face it: Josh is not the only person in professional sports that has had an addiction issue. He's just the most open about it."

Following Moreno's comments, the Major League Baseball Players Association denied that the Angels had requested, or received approval to insert language into Hamilton's contract that would allow them to seek action should he relapse. 

Rather than try to dump Hamilton and the remaining $90 million on his contract, Wilson suggested that the team's focus should be on trying to treat Hamilton's illness. 

"We need to figure out collectively as teammates what's going to make Josh play the best," Wilson said. "If he plays up to his abilities, he's as good as anyone else who's ever going to step onto the diamond against him."

The Digest

Everything you need to know about Josh Hamilton's drug relapse

by theScore staff
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has a history of addiction problems with cocaine and alcohol, will not receive punishment from Major League Baseball after a relapse involving at least cocaine. Hamilton's case was decided by an independent arbitrator after a four-person MLB drug panel failed to decide if the outfielder should enter a treatment program.

Hamilton was suspended from baseball from 2004-06 for cocaine- and alcohol-related issues. He signed a five-year, $125-million contract before the 2013 season.

Need to Know

  • L.A. manager Mike Scioscia visited with Hamilton in mid-April, but left unsure whether or not Hamilton is getting the treatment he needs as the outfielder rehabs his shoulder.
  • Angels lefty C.J. Wilson took Hamilton's side with some criticism of the organization.
  • The independent arbitrator ruled that Hamilton's conduct did not violate his treatment program and as a result he is not eligible to be disciplined by the Office of the Commissioner
     
  • Hamilton had a relapse involving "at least cocaine" and informed baseball officials, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Hamilton's father-in-law, Michael Chadwick, tweeted that the player has "hit a bump in the road, keep him in your prayers."
  • The MLB Players Association threw its support behind the outfielder after multiple news leaks followed Hamilton's latest relapse.

Further Reading

  • Lyle Spencer believes the Angels are doing Hamilton a favor with the deal to the Rangers [MLB.com]
  • Ken Rosenthal writes that the Rangers acquisition of Hamilton might be the perfect diversion in a season that won't likely end with playoff games in October. [FoxSports
  • Passan believes that new commissioner Rob Manfred needs to do what's right and that Hamilton's case should be about his addiction and only his addiction. [Yahoo
  • Sports Illustrated's Cliff Corcoran looks at the two different ways to view Hamilton - the drug user whose confession of a relapse may have been timed to prevent it coming out after a test in camp - or the man with an illness that he fought with for most of his baseball career. [SI.com]
  • DiGiovanna and Shaikin discuss the money at stake along with his health and well-being. Hamilton is due to make $25 million this season. [LA Times]
     
  • Jeremy Horton of The Classical put a brilliant capper on the Hamilton situation, making the case that the latest relapse does nothing to take away from Hamilton's redemption story. Horton notes an addict's struggle is as difficult as it gets and Hamilton's period of sobriety is still a badge to be worn proudly. [The Classical

Timeline

1999 - Tampa Bay Rays make Hamilton the first overall pick in the June draft and sign him to a then-record $3.96-million bonus.

2002 - Hamilton sent to Betty Ford Center for drug rehabilitation. In July, fails first drug test while on rehab assignment for Triple-A Durham (15 games)

2003 - While inactive list for Orlando (minors) fails drug test in May (30 games). Fails second test in September (60 games)

2004 - In February, suspended for violating MLB joint drug treatment and prevention program.

2006 - In June, is reinstated by MLB to participate in Tampa's extended spring training. Selected by Cubs in Rule 5 draft and traded to Reds.

2007 - Makes MLB debut April 2 as member of Cincinnati Reds. Traded to Texas Rangers for Edinson Volquez in December.

2009 - Suffers relapse in January, drinking alcohol for first time in 3 1/2 years.

2012 - Suffers alcohol-related relapse in January. Signs 5-year deal with Angels in December.

2015 - In February, suffers relapse involving cocaine. Is traded back to the Rangers in April.

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