MLBPA furious over Josh Hamilton leaks

The MLB Player’s Association is reportedly upset that word of Josh Hamilton’s potential relapse was leaked before any ruling had been served on the matter.

Josh Hamilton may have recently admitted to a relapse in his lifelong struggle with alcohol and cocaine addiction, among others, but the MLBPA isn’t happy this is news. After all, such admissions should have remained anonymous per the CBA between the MLB and the MLBPA.

Such privacy wasn’t honored here and the union released a statement on the matter, as transcribed by SI.com.

More from Los Angeles Angels

"“It is regrettable that people who want to see Josh Hamilton hurt personally and professionally have started leaking information about the status of his treatment program and the confidential processes under our Joint Drug Agreement.These anonymous leaks are cowardly, undermine the integrity of our collectively bargained agreements and in some instances have been wholly inaccurate. The MLBPA will use every right we have under the collective bargaining agreement to make sure Josh gets the help he needs, and the fair and confidential process to which he is entitled.”"

This isn’t the first time Hamilton has admitted to a relapse, but earlier admissions in 2009 and 2012 reportedly only involved alcohol, which as a legal substance wouldn’t cause a test failure of any kind. However, admission to cocaine use would be a different matter altogether.

The MLB hasn’t released any kind of ruling on the matter, as it’s fair to say they have a lot to consider in this case. SI notes after the release’s transcription that, “The [four-person] panel first must determine if Hamilton violated the league’s drug policy, and if so, how to discipline him.”

As a result, an arbitrator is being commissioned to decide whether or not Hamilton needs to enter himself into rehab in order to once again be eligible to play in the MLB. In the meantime, the powers that be must decide how long a potential suspension would have to be for Hamilton, should he end up being found guilty of failing drug abuse protocol.

However this situation unfolds, the union will contend that it was approached poorly and with unnecessary publicity hounding Hamilton. They’ll say the outfielder deserves better and they might be right. For now though, that’s up to the league and the arbitrator to decide. After that, it will be hard to keep anything a secret.

More from FanSided

Home/Los Angeles Angels