After admitting to relapsing on his drug and alcohol abuse, outfielder Josh Hamilton’s days with the Los Angeles Angels seem to be numbered. According to a report from Sports Illustrated, the Angels could part ways with the former MVP in a matter of days.
Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton, who in February admitted to relapsing and abusing drugs and alcohol, may never play for Los Angeles again and could be gone from the team in a matter of days, according to an industry source.
Team officials, including owner Arte Moreno and general manager Jerry DiPoto, appear displeased by Hamilton’s self-reported relapse in February and a subsequent decision by an arbitrator that Major League Baseball cannot punish Hamilton.
Moreno has implied that there is unique language in Hamilton’s contract that bars Hamilton from drug and alcohol use. Most teams attach what are known as “conversion to non-guaranteed contract” provisions as riders to their player contracts. These provisions vary by club but they are often used in long-term contracts. At least in theory, these provisions can convert guaranteed money into non-guaranteed money when players engage in certain types of misconduct–including illegal drug use.
The entire Josh Hamilton relapse sage is a depressing picture of someone struggling with an intense drug and alcohol addiction. It now seems that aside from dealing with those issues, Hamilton may have to go to court with the Angels to recoup some of that guaranteed money as well.