Angels Official Website: Arbitrator reportedly to decide if Hamilton goes to rehab

[AngelsWin.com]

An arbitrator will decide whether Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton should enter a substance-abuse rehabilitation program after a four-member advisory board deadlocked on a decision, the Los Angeles Times reported late Wednesday.

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[Angel Oracle]

To me anyway, a one year suspension is really harsh in light of Hamilton reporting the issue himself (owning up to it).

He does need to serve some sort of suspension of course.

Maybe 50 regular season games is enough, while he is in rehab?

[Blarg]

Admitting to something you know you will be caught doing is not the basis for any leniency. It all sounds noble and responsible except for the fact all it was is not denying breaking his contract with MLB to not relapse. Essentially a public relations move after the fact.

Hopefully the decision is based on the rules and guidelines rather than trying to make a feel good story out of this for Hamilton.

[AngelsSurfer]

Under the guidelines of being a fourth time offender I think a year's suspension is fair. In addition to that, though, he really does seem to need to go back to rehab.

Edited March 5, 2015 by AngelsSurfer

[Angel_Fan_4_Life]

The sad thing here that is often overlooked is that for an addict, certain pressures in life cause relapses. 

 

With that being said, there is no doubt that the pressures of being an MLB player, with a huge contract, a bar set pretty high being a previous AL MVP, and having the season he had last year probably contributed to the relapse.

 

Hamilton needs a break from baseball to get his life back on track, period.  He needs to focus on himself and his family.  As much as a disappointment he has been as an Angels player, I want him to succeed in life and get healthy.  He can potentially die from his addiction....being an MLB player is not worth it.

 

Mr. Hamilton, please do what is right.  Stay out of baseball until you get your life back on track.  You should make that decision and not leave that up to an arbitrator.

 

God bless you and your family on your recovery.

[Angel Oracle]

That is the most important thing, his recovery from the addictions.

 

Not saying that they should be lenient on him because he reported it himself, just saying that it should maybe factor in a little at least.

[Mark68]

Admitting to something you know you will be caught doing is not the basis for any leniency. It all sounds noble and responsible except for the fact all it was is not denying breaking his contract with MLB to not relapse. Essentially a public relations move after the fact.

Hopefully the decision is based on the rules and guidelines rather than trying to make a feel good story out of this for Hamilton.

I think the feel good story that can arise from anyone going thru this is full rehabilitation (because you're never "cured"), and, secondly, an eventual return to being productive at one's work.

 

If this happens, it really would be a good story, not leniency because he self-reported.

[Troll Daddy]

Quitting the game won't help Hamilton ... but rehab will. I think a fifty game suspension and rehab is in order.

[nate]

Having an advisory board with an even number of people seems like a pretty stupid idea.

[FabulousFabregas]

The best thing about a year away from the game would be that he could have plenty of time to focus on getting clean and sober.

[stormngt]

Best thing for the Angels is a year suspension and about 8 million salary relief off the cap.

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Having an advisory board with an even number of people seems like a pretty stupid idea.

As stupid as half of them voting that he didn't need rehab?

[Diaz15]

I sure do hope that by turning himself in, Josh is serious about his soberity. Overall, that's what matters. We all know he's going to serve some sort of suspension, but I hope he can find help and serenity in his rehabilitation.

[Mark68]

Quitting the game won't help Hamilton ... but rehab will. I think a fifty game suspension and rehab is in order.

It might because it would help keep him focused on sobriety, and he would presumably have chance for temptation (constant travels, being away from his family, staying in the limelight, etc). Not saying that it would be the ONLY thing that helps, because he does need the rehab.

[Stradling]

It will also limit the amount of stress in his life.

[James]

Nobody really knows Hamilton here, although I did meet his air conditioner repair man once. For all we know it is the boredom of the off season that lead to the relapse. It is quite possible that the daily structure of an MLB season is more helpful than hurtful. We really don't know and while I always hated the signing I sure hope he can overcome this. With that said rules are rules and he should not get any leniency.

[ELEVEN]

How much does the AC repair guy want for a rock?

[QuinlansMinion]

Its unbelievable how sensitive and butt hurt people get about steroids and claiming its damaging to kids, but when someone gets caught using drugs for like the 4th time its oh no big deal just suspend him a few games.  

[Lou]

Has anyone said it's no big deal that he has been caught using drugs for the fourth time?

[QuinlansMinion]

Has anyone said it's no big deal that he has been caught using drugs for the fourth time?

I dont see anyone saying he should be kicked out of baseball.  

 

Which he should.

Edited March 6, 2015 by QuinlansMinion

[Lou]

Nobody really knows Hamilton here, although I did meet his air conditioner repair man once. For all we know it is the boredom of the off season that lead to the relapse. It is quite possible that the daily structure of an MLB season is more helpful than hurtful. We really don't know and while I always hated the signing I sure hope he can overcome this. With that said rules are rules and he should not get any leniency.

You are exactly right. Hearing dozens of addicts speak on this topic, just about every one of them claim that any idle time is the worst part of their day. Many lock themselves in their room to avoid any temptation to use again. Each addict has their own trigger(s) that can cause a relapse. Whether it's a person, place,thing,emotion,feeling etc. an addict puts forth a lot of effort to avid whatever it is that may trigger their urge to use again. One girl had all of the spoons removed from her apartment because they caused an intense craving for her drug of choice.

[Lou]

I dont see anyone saying he should be kicked out of baseball.  

 

Which he should.

nobody is saying that because under the CBA, that isn't an option

[OregonLAA]

Maybe all the time off wouldn't be good for him. He stills deserves a big suspension. He doesn't get to get out of punishment because people worry about him. That's not fair to the other guys abiding by the rules

[Lou]

i completely agree

[AngelsLongBall]

You are exactly right. Hearing dozens of addicts speak on this topic, just about every one of them claim that any idle time is the worst part of their day. Many lock themselves in their room to avoid any temptation to use again. Each addict has their own trigger(s) that can cause a relapse. Whether it's a person, place,thing,emotion,feeling etc. an addict puts forth a lot of effort to avid whatever it is that may trigger their urge to use again. One girl had all of the spoons removed from her apartment because they caused an intense craving for her drug of choice.

Pudding?