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Report: Josh Hamilton likely to be suspended 25 or more games by MLB

Aug 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) in the dugout in the seventh inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sportss
Aug 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) in the dugout in the seventh inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sportss

The Josh Hamilton situation is a sensitive one, but the MLB is going to be taking action against him in the form of a suspension that is in the range of 25-games. 


Josh Hamilton recently admitted to relapsing in his drug abuse by using a mixture of alcohol and cocaine, which is  situation that the MLB is currently having to sort out.

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To his credit, Hamilton admitted to the drug use flat out, and wasn’t busted by a failed test or outed by anyone other thank himself. That’s admirable but doesn’t excuse him from possible punishment but the league.

According to Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports, it appears that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is eyeing a suspension for Hamilton but will likely approach the delicate situation with leniency.

"Hamilton is likely to be suspended for at least 25 games but less than a full season, sources say. Because of various complexities, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is not close to a decision. Moreover, the MLB Players Association, acting on Hamilton’s behalf, would appeal any penalty it deems to be too harsh."

This isn’t the first time Hamilton has relapsed, as he admitted to drinking on two separate occasions over the last five years. But this is a situation unlike the drug situations we’ve seen in the recent past, as this isn’t a steroids issue in the least big.

What this is all about tis Josh Hamilton doing what is best for himself. It’s not up to the MLB to settle on a suspension they think helps Hamilton get better — that’s up to him and his sobriety only. But baseball still reserves the right tot suspend Hamilton since he violated the league’s substance abuse policy by using cocaine.

This is a delicate situation and it’s one that centers on Hamilton getting better. That may mean walking away from baseball, that may mean sitting out 25 games and returning to action when he’s physically healthy — as Hamilton was expected to miss time anyways this season.

Either way, Josh Hamilton’s situation isn’t going anywhere, but resolution on the matter is expected to come down in the near future.

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