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

• The Los Angeles Angels officially dealt Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers, though will be eating the majority of his salary as part of the deal.

• 5 things we learned from Josh Hamilton's Rangers presser

• Hamilton had his first rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on May 10, going 1-3 with a pair of strikeouts.

• 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."

• A four-person panel failed to agree on how to proceed with Hamilton's relapse. 

• The MLB Players Association threw its support behind the outfielder after multiple news leaks followed Hamilton's latest relapse.

• Jeff Passan of Yahoo indicate Hamilton's relapse occurred after a fight with his wife.

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.