Sports

Report: Texas Rangers’ Recovering Addict Josh Hamilton Has Relapse

Josh Hamilton Relapses at Local Dallas Bar: ReportDALLAS (The Blaze/AP) — Rangers outfielder and recovering drug addict Josh Hamilton had a relapse this week when he drank alcohol at a bar, The Dallas Morning News reported Thursday night.

The newspaper, citing unidentified “individuals familiar with the episode,” reported Hamilton was drinking at a Dallas-area bar on Monday.

The Dallas Morning News has more:

According to individuals familiar with the episode, Hamilton drank alcohol Monday night at Sherlock’s Pub & Grill in Dallas. Teammate Ian Kinsler also showed up at the bar for what appeared to be an attempt to persuade Hamilton to return to his home in Westlake.

In a statement to the newspaper, the Rangers said they were “aware of a situation, but we don’t have further comment at this time.”

Hamilton, 30, was suspended for more than three years for drug and alcohol use while in the Tampa Bay organization. He missed the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons. He won the AL MVP in 2010.

This was Hamilton’s second known alcohol-related relapse in three years. In January, 2009, he drank to excess in a bar in Tempe, Ariz. Before that, Hamilton said he hadn’t taken a drink of alcohol since Oct. 6, 2005.

When the Rangers acquired the 28-year-old outfielder from the Cincinnati Reds on Dec. 21, 2007, they were aware of Hamilton’s off-the-field problems and came out with a “zero tolerance” policy regarding his drinking.

Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton Reportedly Has Alcohol Relapse: MyFoxDFW.com

Hamilton, a Christian, cited a lapse in his faith as contributing to his 2009 episode.

“I got away from the one thing that kept me on the straight and narrow, and that was my relationship with the Lord,” Hamilton said in August 2009, according to the Morning News. “That should always come first. Hopefully some good will come out of this.

And his teammates have been respectful of his struggle. For example, during clubhouse celebrations the past two seasons, the team has used ginger ale instead of the usual champagne.

Hamilton is tested for drug use three times a week and has had an accountability partner to support him in his recovery – though that job is now vacant.

The Rangers announced last month that Hamilton’s father-in-law had been hired as a staff special assistant to be the accountability partner for the slugger. But Michael Dean Chadwick has since decided against accepting that position due to “family considerations.”

Hitting coach Johnny Narron filled that role before he left in November for Milwaukee. Narron joined the Rangers when Hamilton was acquired four years ago in a trade from Cincinnati. His primary role was to support the former No. 1 overall draft pick, who rebounded from his substance-abuse problems to become one of the top players in baseball.

Hamilton can become a free agent after this season, and has said he will not negotiate an extension after he reports to spring training.

He said he plans to leave for spring training on Feb. 17, a full week before the full-squad reporting date in Arizona.

Comments (36)

  • rlmeals
    Posted on February 5, 2012 at 12:59pm

    I think it‘s important to remember that being a Christian doesn’t mean we are perfect. We all stumble and “fall short of the glory of God.” But when we humbly repent, God forgives us. It’s how you deal with these things that shows your true character. Josh has admitted his problems, and has gone years between relapses. They happen. Sometimes the flesh is weak. I think you will see his true character as he picks himself up and dusts himself off, asks for forgiveness, and refocuses on his relationship with the Lord.

    We all do this…we take a wrong path, whether it’s a big detour or just a little one, and then we have to get back on the straight and narrow with the grace of God. The big difference is that Josh is in the public spotlight. I‘m proud of him for the witness that he’s been to people, and for admitting his faults so that he can show others that they can change their lives through the Lord. I think he‘s a great example that Christians aren’t perfect, they’re forgiven. My prayers go out to him!

    Report Post » rlmeals  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on February 4, 2012 at 1:59am

    What’s with the floozies?

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • mkw22
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:28pm

    Josh Hamilton is one of my absolute favorite baseball players, he has an amazing story of courage and fight, and I know he will get through this. I pray that he does, this is a tough battle. Hand in there Josh – you can do it. You’ve done it before. This is day one man, do it again! Such talent. I pray he kicks this for good.

    Report Post »  
  • Sicboy
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:58pm

    Josh is a strong man, he’ll regain sobriety, And be ok. He lives near GB, Maybe GB should reach out and talk to the man. Or get free tickets.

    Report Post » Sicboy  
  • flatbroke
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 6:39pm

    I think drug and alcohol addiction is terrible for all involved, and i hope he recovers but i have a hard time feeling sorry for him, he gets payed millions of dollars per year to play ball 3 months outta the year. come on folks!

    Report Post » flatbroke  
  • rafa2design
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 6:01pm

    MLB should introduce Josh to Darryl Strawberry. A few hours with him and I‘m sure he’ll think twice about putting his career on the line.

    Report Post » rafa2design  
  • carguy
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 1:56pm

    have you seen his testimony on the website iamsecond.com about how he got sober and found Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOrKT7SUoY
    its a strong message and i hope he continues to fight.

    Report Post »  
  • Pokerjoe
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:50pm

    If true.He will come back. Its hard but can be overcome. He will be alright.

    Report Post »  
  • Collbuzz
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:35am

    Sorry about the kid’s problem, but no surprise here. Some people don’t have the strenght to beat it. Sad– he’s apparently talented.

    Report Post »  
    • TexasHunter
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:43pm

      My Great, Great Grandfather was an alcoholic, So was my Great Grandfather, so was my Grandfather, so was my father. They say this is not hereditary but I struggle myself not to be like any of them. They ruined their lives and family with alcohol. I will not repeat the past of the dead. Stay strong Josh. Prayers are with you. When you fall of the horse always best to get right back on.

      Report Post » TexasHunter  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:48pm

      I have been clean and sober 32 years now. I hate to see Josh relapse. He is a wonderful guy.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • flyaa
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:11am

    An illness of this sort – and we have come to believe it an illness – involves those about us in a way no other human sickness can. If a person has cancer all are sorry for him and no one is angry or hurt. But not so with the alcoholic illness, for with it there goes annihilation of all the things worth while in life. It engulfs all whose lives touch the sufferer’s. It brings misunderstanding, fierce resentment, financial insecurity, disgusted friends and employers, warped lives of blameless children, sad wives and parents – anyone can increase the list. get back soon Josh

    Report Post »  
    • muddpuddle
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:40am

      Is it really an illness, or is it a choice…..? Did somebody sneak up on him and drag him to the bar…?
      When people make room for this to be called an illness, they are making room for every kind of lie to remain.

      Report Post »  
    • progressives-and-libs-are-tards
      Posted on February 15, 2012 at 6:01pm

      Muddpuddle

      It’s an illness like no other. Show some compassion.

      Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:01am

    Wow – the dude‘s a millionaire and can’t enjoy a drink.

    Live and let die, people.

    Report Post »  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:51am

    So if I have a relapse after 24 years will I be plastered all over the wed?.?.?.?
    did not think so. this is ogling at some one’s demise.
    sad ..get him into rehab then a humble job…… sweeping floors at Wendy’s.

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • stlouisdan
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:33am

    C’mon Josh ! Stick to it ! Baseball wouldn’t be the same without you. We want to see you back in the World Series. You have my prayers.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:15am

    BLAZE~~~

    Why did you put the photo of another time up? That is so slanted, so disparaging, so WRONG! I don’t want my past mistakes up and out there for all to see. Do you want someone posting photos of your wrongs/mistakes for all the world to see? I don’t think so.

    I have supported THE BLAZE and written here, but now you, too, seem to be bent on destroying good people. I want none of that. I am done.

    Bye, BLAZERS. I will meet some of you someday when we are HOME. It will be a pleasure. To those I won’t meet: your loss.

     
    • wewantchillywilly
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:35am

      the blaze mentioned that this was a problem several years ago. those pictures are all over the internet, there is no escaping them if you type in Josh Hamilton on a search engine. and if you’re one of the most popular baseball players in the country already, this is part of the turf. you’re life is going to be exposed to the public. that’s the reality of pro sports, especially if you already have had troubled pasts.

      Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:09am

    A stumble doesn’t have to be a fall. Face the mistake, get back on track.

    Report Post » Mandors  
  • expatinontariocanada
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:01am

    Baal strikes again.

    Report Post » expatinontariocanada  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:59am

    .
    Just another Drunk Millionaire who can’t handel his liquor…………………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • expatinontariocanada
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:03am

      Dude, what’s your problem? Why the hate? Can’t you see a troubled soul, one no better or no worse than you in God’s eyes. Hope you were kidding.

      Report Post » expatinontariocanada  
    • Porkchop_sw
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:38am

      Come on Spank, I’ve read your posts before… Your not a HATER, the kid has problems…

      Report Post » Porkchop_sw  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:06am

      Spankdamonkey:

      We say a collective prayer for you too.. may it help you work through your hatred and may you find compassion for those who stumble.

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • Rockinphil
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 1:31pm

      It’s just so easy, isn’t it? Spank, let’s see you go completely off-line for a month. Then come back and tell how easy it was for you accomplish.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 2:29pm

      .
      no hate here…….ya’ll on the other hand…..all I said was he can’t handel his liquor…..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Docrow
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:51am

    Prayers Josh!

    But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
    2 Corinthians 12:8-10

    Report Post » Docrow  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:38am

    One day at a time Josh.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:53am

      I’m so sorry to read this. I have great respect for Josh Hamilton the man .. not the baseball player he is more than a baseball player.

      Get back on the road Josh, and yes one day at a time.

      Report Post » lillymckim  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:27am

    Ah, man. I am so sorry for you Josh. Will pray you through though. Praying for a strong accountability partner who has a “take no prisoners” attitude and won’t let you off the hook for a moment.

    Josh, when you sober up, call Glenn!

    Report Post »  
  • NewLife56
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:26am

    Hang in there Josh, Your a good and decent man, I enjoyed your playing in Cincy and know the “Ball Incident” hurt you, recover young man, and keep fighting, we all have relaspes, just keep fighting

    Report Post » NewLife56  
  • Whitey4West
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:26am

    Prayers out to you Josh.

    Report Post »  

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