MLB Rumors: Angels’ Outfielder Josh Hamilton to be Disciplined for Drug Relapse?

By Cheri Cheng - 26 Feb '15 13:56PM

Josh Hamilton, widely known for overcoming his drug addiction and alcoholism, has confessed to a drug relapse.

The 33-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels reportedly met with commissioner Rob Manfred in New York to discuss a disciplinary issue. The organization has not released any specifics regarding the situation.

"I can say that Josh is going to meet with league officials in New York," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "At this point I have no other information to offer."

Hamilton, who has been in Houston rehabbing his shoulder after undergoing shoulder surgery this month, is not expected to return to the league until at least May. He could miss more baseball if MLB decides to suspend him.

Hamilton did not play baseball from 2003 to 2006 due to his cocaine and alcohol addition. In 2003, Hamilton failed a drug test during spring training. After he showed up late several times, he was reassigned to the minors where he later decided to take the rest of the season off, citing personal issues. In 2004 he was suspended for failing more than one drug test. In 2005, Hamilton was placed on the restricted list after getting arrested. In 2006, he was suspended for another drug relapse.

When he was reinstated to the league, one of the conditions involved drug testing three times a week. During the first few years back in the league, Hamilton was able to stay clean. In 2009 and 2012, he had alcohol relapses.

This time, however, Hamilton reportedly used cocaine again, according to CBSSports.com's baseball insider Jon Heyman. The source stated that Hamilton confessed to using the drug a couple months of ago. There is currently no word on whether or not he failed a drug test. If he did, he would be considered a first-time offender on the major-league level.

Hamilton signed a five-year contract worth $125 million with the Angels prior to the start of the 2013 season. He finished the 2014 season with a batting average of .263, 10 home runs and 44 RBI in 89 games. Hamilton is a five-time All-Star and the 2010 American League MVP, which he won when he was with the Texas Rangers.