Angels’ Josh Hamilton Has Reportedly Relapsed

After rampant rumors, Josh Hamilton has met with the MLB’s disciplinary board to discuss an apparent relapse. Hamilton has had a long documented struggle with substance abuse: a highly sought out prospect in the late 90s, his career has been filled with ups and a whole lot of downs.

He has been treated for substance abuse back in 2002, but was at his lowest between then and 2006: he failed several drug test and became addicted to cocaine and crack. After years in the minors, he finally made it to the big leagues in 2007 for the Cincinnati Reds, yet has to submit to three mandatory drug tests weekly.

Since then, he has been seen as an inspiration for recovering drug addicts everywhere: he won the AL MVP in 2010 and made two World Series appearances with the Texas Rangers. His lifetime numbers speak for themselves: in eight seasons, hampered with various injuries, he has a .292 batting average, over 1,000 hits, 192 home runs and an on base percentage of .352.

But since bouncing between the Reds, Rangers and Angels, he has relapsed three separate times: the first two occurring in 2009 and 2012 with solely alcohol. As for the third time, The New York Daily News confirmed earlier reports that in the offseason, Hamilton relapsed again: allegedly it was with cocaine and alcohol.

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that Hamilton allegedly approached the league office on his own accord: taking responsibility for his actions without failing a drug test — meaning he could be “put in the program as a first time offender.” Josh’s father-in-law, Michael Chadwick, has told reporters that “[He] hit a bump in the road, keep him in your prayers:” he has helped Hamilton with his substance abuse in the past.

Josh Hamilton was already going to start the season on the DL due to his recent shoulder surgery: he was likely to be out until at least May. There is no word, at the moment, if he will indeed be treated as a first time offender.