Josh Hamilton, Who Recently Cut Off Contract Talks With Texas, Discusses His Relapse

Josh Hamilton discussed his relapse with reporters on Friday afternoon in Texas. His words gave a pretty clear description of just how difficult his day-to-day life must be due to his well-documented substance abuse issues. It’s incredibly sad to see anyone go through something like this, so you can’t help but feel for the guy. And I give the All-Star outfielder credit for his candor and giving as much detail as he did. He could have easily chosen to release a brief “I made a mistake” statement and called it a day.

The timing of the unfortunate incident could not have come at worse time, as just a few weeks ago Hamilton cut off contract extension talks with the Rangers. With only a year left remaining on his current deal, it’s hard not to wonder how, when or if the two sides re-engage and what kind of additional strict parameters would go into an extension should they agree to one.

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8 Responses to “Josh Hamilton, Who Recently Cut Off Contract Talks With Texas, Discusses His Relapse”

Gangsta D Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 3:03 PM

so you can’t help but feel for the guy

Eh, not really. Hard to feel sorry for the recovering addict that potentially blows a big payday because he couldn’t stay out of a bar.

Tim Ryan Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 3:13 PM

Eh, not really. Hard to feel sorry for the recovering addict that potentially blows a big payday because he couldn’t stay out of a bar.

That’s exactly why I feel bad for him. Kinsler drives him home from the bar, and then he walks right back to said bar. I’m somewhat amazed he’s been this successful.

Gangsta D Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 3:38 PM

I probably watch too much “Intervention,” but maybe more people should tell him to keep his fucking shit together as opposed to feeling bad for him. Dude’s gonna end up in Hamsterdam, otherwise.

Wally's World Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 3:53 PM

Guys like Hamilton do not live like the rest of us. He spends every waking minute of every day fighting the demons that we take for granted. The fact that Hamilton could get himself back to an elite level while the demons are lurking around every corner is simply amazing.

It isn’t easy for any addict to kick a habit. It’s even less easy for someone under the microscope like Hamilton is to do so as well.

We all aren’t wired the same. Those with addictive personalities cannot just “stop” doing something. He’s back to step 1, which is admitting the problem. Now comes the hard part.

Cowboy Mike's Red Hot Ricochet Barbecue Sauce Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 4:09 PM

He spends every waking minute of every day fighting the demons that we take for granted.

I call him Gamblor!

Tim Ryan Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 4:10 PM

I probably watch too much “Intervention,” but maybe more people should tell him to keep his fucking shit together as opposed to feeling bad for him.

To be fair, it looks like a lot of people are. Kinsler seems like a good friend. Came to meet him when he called.

It’s even less easy for someone under the microscope like Hamilton is to do so as well.

Totally agree.

gfunk supreme Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 4:14 PM

It isn’t easy for any addict to kick a habit. It’s even less easy for someone under the microscope like Hamilton is to do so as well.

I doubt that’s true. I’d guess it’s easier for Hamilton to avoid relapses than for your average recovering addict because of the media attention and support structure. You just never hear about the random fellow who’s been sober for a year but decides to stop off at the bar after work. It just seems more likely to me that once he’s no longer playing baseball he’ll have a harder time avoiding relapses. I could be wrong though, and everything else you said I agree with.

MeandWillieMcGee Says:
February 5th, 2012 at 4:45 PM

Crack rewires your brain. An addict always has to be doing something, otherwise he’s doing drugs. That said, he could be doing a lot worse than getting drunk a couple times in 6 years.