SB Nation Dallas - Josh Hamilton Has Alcohol-Related Relapsehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2012-02-16T13:50:25-06:00http://dallas.sbnation.com/rss/stream/25328852012-02-16T13:50:25-06:002012-02-16T13:50:25-06:00Josh Hamilton Appears On Glenn Beck TV, Talks Relapse
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Josh Hamilton<a target="_blank" href="http://www.glennbeck.com/2012/02/15/texas-rangers-star-athlete-josh-hamilton-opens-up-about-relapse-on-gbtv/"> made an appearance on The Glenn Beck Program</a> on Beck's GBTV internet channel on Wednesday to talk about his relapse. Hamilton didn't appear with Beck himself, but rather Dr. James Robinson -- Hamilton's pastor. </p>↵<p>Hamilton does appear to be intent and focused on making sure that another relapse isn't in his future, which is obviously good news for him.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>"This time it's not just, ‘OK, it happened, we'll move past it and maybe it won't happen again,'" Hamilton told Robison.</p>↵<p>"We're taking this as a serious issue," he emphasized.</p>↵<p>Hamilton said that he and his family are looking at why he relapsed and what the trigger is that has caused him to slip for a second time. He is looking at his home life, events from his past, his childhood and more to see why this happened. Hamilton had previously relapsed in 2009.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>Hopefully by the time Hamilton arrives in Arizona with the rest of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> for spring training, this is a non-story. At the very least, the hype and craze surrounding <span>Yu Darvish</span> should help usher this story into the background -- which will be beneficial to both Hamilton personally and the Rangers as an organization. </p>↵
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/16/2802872/josh-hamilton-appears-on-glenn-beck-tv-talks-relapseJP Starkey2012-02-13T17:15:59-06:002012-02-13T17:15:59-06:00Josh Hamilton Should Learn Lesson From Whitney Houston, Says Ignorant Forbes Writer
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>With many people across the world still reeling from the tragic death of Whitney Houston on Saturday, it was only a matter of time before opinions began to rattle off about what happened to Houston and her impact on an entire generation of music fans. Sure, we know she lived a precarious lifestyle but with the cause of death unknown it would seem to be foolish to draw any conclusions as to why she passed and what it means.</p>
<p>Of course, that didn't stop one writer from Forbes to try to force a parallel between Houston and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> star outfielder <span>Josh Hamilton</span>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2012/02/13/what-josh-hamilton-and-the-texas-rangers-can-learn-from-whitney-houstons-passing/">Patrick Rishe of Forbes says that Hamilton could benefit</a> from reading about the life of Whitney Houston, since she had her issues with substance abuse in the past and its something that Hamilton is currently dealing with. Here, Rishe points out to the new hire of Shayne Kelley and his role of "chaperone" for Hamilton and insists that Kelley point the Rangers' center fielder to do some research on Houston:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Perhaps, Mr. Kelley, you should have Mr. Hamilton sit down and read all about the rise and fall of Ms. Houston. Have him YouTube some of her best performances when she was at the height of her career, and then look-up photos and videos of her during her troubled times.</p>
<p>Because this will remind Mr. Hamilton that nothing is forever and that substance abuse destroys.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>While Rishe's premise seems genuine, its tough to take the entire article seriously since the cause of Houston's death hasn't been released yet. Moreover, it doesn't seem like Hamilton needs a history lesson versus needing a support base. A quality mentor, good friends and a family that believes in him would be a good star versus hearing love ballads from the 80's that could possibly make even the most upbeat person a bit sad.</p>
<p>Of course, this Forbes writer coincidentally seems more worried about Hamilton squandering his money versus righting the ship in just a passing mention.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on Josh Hamilton and the Texas Rangers be sure to check out <a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/">Lone Star Ball</a>. For more MLB news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Major League Baseball hub</a>. </i></b></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/13/2796265/josh-hamilton-should-learn-lesson-from-whitney-houston-says-ignorantEddie Maisonet2012-02-03T13:55:40-06:002012-02-03T13:55:40-06:00Josh Hamilton Apologized For Relapse, Let's Move On
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>As we all know already, <span>Josh Hamilton</span> had an<a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/2/2767692/josh-hamilton-alcohol-relapse-texas-rangers/in/2532885"> alcohol related relapse this week,</a> and on Friday afternoon, the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a> star <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/3/2769207/josh-hamilton-press-conference-addiction-relapse-responsibility-texas-rangers">apologized for his actions</a>. There's no doubt that Hamilton was sincere in his apology, as he publicly apologized to everybody -- even people he didn't need to apologize to.</p>↵<p>Simply put, it's none of the public's business. I understand that it's a story, given that he's a public figure who overcome his addiction problems to become an MVP and one of the most beloved figures in baseball. It's unfortunate that he relapsed, and it's also unfortunate that he was subject to public humiliation. It's tough enough to overcome an addiction of any kind, but it has to be even more difficult when you're a professional baseball player -- when alcohol is so easily accessible.</p>↵<p>So, really, for me, that's it. Hamilton apologized, even though he only owed an apology to his employer and his family. It's time to move on, wish Hamilton the best as he continues his battle against his addiction, and look forward to Spring Training as the Rangers look to capture their third consecutive pennant.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/3/2769247/josh-hamilton-apologized-for-relapse-lets-move-onJP Starkey2012-02-03T13:52:24-06:002012-02-03T13:52:24-06:00Josh Hamilton On Possible Contract Extension: 'It's On The Backburner'
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>At the end of his press conference Friday, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> OF <span>Josh Hamilton</span> added this interesting nugget:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.9058659228030592"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It would have been nice if [the press conference] would have been about a contract, but we will put that on the back-burner for awhile.</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Hamilton, who is set to become a free agent at the of the 2012 season, had reportedly wanted to get an extension agreed upon before the start of spring training. </p>
<p>But now, after his second alcohol related relapse since coming to Texas, the organization will undoubtedly want to tread extremely carefully before guaranteeing tens of million of dollars to the 30-year old outfielder.</p>
<p>It's an extremely complicated situation on many levels. Hamilton has become a fan favorite for both his aggressive style of play as well as his frank openness about struggling with addiction, but he's also become prone to injury in his time in Arlington, with many quietly wondering whether the years of damage he did to his body in his 20's will come back to haunt him as he ages.</p>
<p>Hamilton's agents reportedly wanted a contract similar to the 7-year $126 million deal <span>Jayson Werth</span> received from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a> in 2010, but what his market value is after this latest incident is anyone's guess.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/3/2769239/josh-hamilton-texas-rangers-contract-extension-backburner-relapseJonathan Tjarks2012-02-03T13:37:53-06:002012-02-03T13:37:53-06:00Josh Hamilton Press Conference: Rangers Star Takes Full Responsibility For Addiction Relapse
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Speaking without prepared remarks to the media in a press conference Friday afternoon, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> OF <span>Josh Hamilton</span> was contrite, accepting full responsibility his lapse in sobriety earlier in the week:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b id="internal-source-marker_0.9058659228030592" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My life, in general, is based on making the right choices. Everything, as far as my recovery, as far as baseball goes, it’s all based around my relationship with the Lord. I give [playing on the field] everything I absolutely have, when I don’t do that off the field, I leave myself open for a weak moment. I had a weak moment Monday night in Dallas, personal reasons with a family member. Walked to a restaurant to have some dinner, and ended up ordering a drink.</span></b></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Hamilton later called Rangers 2B <span>Ian Kinsler</span>, one of his closest friends on the team, to hang out that night, although Kinsler did not know the former MVP had been drinking:</p>
<blockquote>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.9058659228030592"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ian did not know I had been drinking, because once I do drink I can be very deceptive and very sneaky. While he was there, I did not drink in front of him. </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I did exactly what I told him I would not do. No one saw me with a beer or a drink in my hand, but it doesn’t excuse the fact that I was doing something knowing that does not work for me. </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
</blockquote>
<p>In contrast to his last public relapse in 2009, which ended with embarrassing photos of him doing body shots all over the internet and rumors of drug use, the Rangers OF strongly denied that he had done anything beside shave a few drinks on Monday:</p>
<blockquote>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.9058659228030592"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve had two drug tests since Monday; I have no concerns there at all. However, anytime I drink there’s a point where a switch flips and you never know where that point is going to be reached. </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
</blockquote>
<p>Hamilton, who did not take questions from the media, ended his remarks by apologizing to the fans, the organization and his family:</p>
<blockquote>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.9058659228030592"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For everyone who I’ve hurt -- fans, kids, people who have addictions -- I apologize to you. When you’re doing this, you think you’re only hurting yourself but as I know, it hurts a lot of people.</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do understand: I can’t take a break. How hard I play on the field is how hard I need to take my relationship with the Lord and focus on that and that is my recovery. I ask everyone who is watching to pray for me and my family because it never gets easy. I need to take responsibility and take the lead in making choices and being the man I’m supposed to be. </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br></div>
</blockquote>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/3/2769207/josh-hamilton-press-conference-addiction-relapse-responsibility-texas-rangersJonathan Tjarks2012-02-03T11:37:11-06:002012-02-03T11:37:11-06:00Josh Hamilton Relapse: Reaction From Area, National Columnists Mixed
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Josh Hamilton story is one of the more complicated ones to come through the local sports-wires in recent years.</p>
<p>On one hand, as SB Nation's Bomani Jones notes, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2012/2/3/2768488/josh-hamilton-relapse-alcohol-drinking-rangers#storyjump">while a battle with addiction is an intensely personal one, Hamilton has chosen to make his story public</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Without knowing those things, this feels like none of our business. But it's news, and that's the flip side of Hamilton taking his plight public. It allowed him to inspire millions, but also directed their eyes to his attempts to maintain. People who follow his quest for sobriety want to know when he stumbles, for reasons good and bad. Hamilton is an addict, a very public one, and sharing his successes made his failures fit for public consumption.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>At Yahoo! Sports, Jeff Passan<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AipPf2.QdQhin78fBtzCdGs5nYcB?slug=jp-passan_josh_hamilton_suffers_relapse_020212"> is concerned that Hamilton relapsed at a very public place</a> -- an undisclosed area DFW bar -- where he had to have known he would be recognized:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #111111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">That it prevailed in such open fashion is what should scare Hamilton’s family as well as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a>. Only Hamilton understands why he would choose such a setting to drink, whether it was the empowerment of doing what he wants, where he wants, when he wants, or if it was his way of asking for help as he floats about without an accountability partner. After his spectacular fall off the wagon in January 2009 that included pictures of him licking whipped cream off a woman’s fake breasts, Hamilton knew the second alcohol touched his lips he was vulnerable not only to its seductive ways but to the gossipy culture that is making secrets an anachronism.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Of course, what makes his relapse so compelling is how it relates to his impending free agency. Hamilton has spoken for years about how he can't handle even one drink, and how a relapse would negatively affect his game.</p>
<p>The <i>Dallas Morning News</i> Kevin Sherrington thinks this latest incident is proof <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/kevin-sherrington/20120202-sherrington-a-long-term-deal-for-josh-hamilton-just-took-a-hit.ece?action=reregister">the Rangers need to be extremely careful with how much money they give the former MVP</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>At some point, he’s going to have to learn how to avoid risks when left alone. The Rangers went so far as to celebrate their postseason wins with showers of ginger ale to avoid the mere whisper of temptation. Hamilton can’t walk in bars and have a few drinks and think he can get away with it.</p>
<p>The Rangers have done all anyone could expect. They gave him another shot when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> gave up. They provided support and love and he gave them MVP-worthy performance. The mutual benefit has been a couple of <a class="DL-topic-highlighted DL-analyze" href="http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/World_Series" style="color: #005689; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; ">World Series</a><span style="overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; "> </span>runs.</p>
<p>Still, the Rangers don’t owe Hamilton a long-term contract out of gratitude or sentiment. They shouldn’t offer anything more than two or three years, heavy on incentives. Of course, someone will offer more. If he should take it, so be it. Then the clock starts ticking somewhere else.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Over at the <i>Fort Worth Star-Telegram</i>, Randy Galloway is more direct, <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/02/02/3708611/rangers-must-decide-if-josh-hamilton.html">saying that Hamilton can no longer be trusted</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="margin-bottom: 10px; color: #111111; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">But my fairness offer is now off the board.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 10px; color: #111111; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">One year, $20 million is the new max. If another team wants to gamble beyond that, have at it. But not me.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 10px; color: #111111; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">Josh is an addict. A good guy. Easy to like, and I do like him. But he's an addict.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 10px; color: #111111; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">Hamilton proved again this week he cannot be trusted, even if the Rangers would clearly love to trust him, support him, and sign him long-term as a player.</p>
</blockquote>
<div style="width: 1px; height: 1px; font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal sans-serif; text-align: left; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/02/02/3708611/rangers-must-decide-if-josh-hamilton.html#storylink=cpy</div>
<p>But at the end of the day, this is still an intensely personal story, with ramifications that go far beyond what a player does or does not do on a baseball field, as this tweet from <span>Josh Hamilton's</span> wife illustrates:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Truly appreciate all the encouraging & supportive tweets we've been getting. God is Faithful and forgives- so thankful that you all are</p>
— Katie Hamilton (@KandJHamilton) <a data-datetime="2012-02-03T15:36:26+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/KandJHamilton/status/165458633017143296">February 3, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
The Rangers have scheduled a press conference for 1 PM Friday with Hamilton to further discuss the incident.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/3/2768861/josh-hamilton-relapse-reactionJonathan Tjarks2012-02-02T20:53:53-06:002012-02-02T20:53:53-06:00Josh Hamilton Reportedly Has Alcohol-Related Relapse
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GvT769MZcBhoCqQhquFTMVRiuKg=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828111/large_dallas.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton reportedly had an alcohol-related relapse earlier this week at an undisclosed area bar. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> outfielder <span>Josh Hamilton</span> <a href="http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/02/source-rangers-josh-hamilton-h.html">reportedly had an alcohol related relapse earlier this week</a> at a local bar. Hamilton is recovering from previous alcohol and drug addictions that saw him suspended for more than three years while a member of the Tampa Bay organization. </p>
<p>On this latest incident, the Texas Rangers released a statement which simply stated that they were "aware of a situation, but we don't have further comment at this time." Hamilton is closing in on a self-imposed deadline for reaching a contract extension with the Rangers. He previously indicated that he will break off negotiations for a new deal once he reports to spring training. </p>
<p>Hamilton had a similar episode in 2009 when he was spotted drinking at a bar in Tempe, Arizona. Hamilton reported the incident himself to his family and Major League Baseball the day after that incident. </p>
<p><i>For more on Josh Hamilton and the Texas Rangers be sure to check out <a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/">Lone Star Ball</a>. For more MLB news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Major League Baseball hub</a>. </i></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/2/2/2767692/josh-hamilton-alcohol-relapse-texas-rangersKris Willis