While this week in sports has been primarily about the Super Bowl, there was a story which broke February 2, 2012 about Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton. The story was simply that, in his battle to remain sober, Hamilton had a relapse.
Josh Hamilton, photo by Keith Allison
For those who don’t know, Hamilton has a history with drug and alcohol abuse. He went from stellar prospect to failed bust and back to Major League All-Star. This has happened once before, and Hamilton admitted his mistake but bounced back from it. Now with it happening again, Hamilton has caught heat from media and fans. A Yahoo! article is what set me off on the subject though.
Jeff Passan wrote that Hamilton did not care and therefore he fell back into a relapse. This couldn’t be more ridiculous. If Hamilton didn’t care, even on that one day, he wouldn’t be the person he is now or do the things he has done to recover. Passan showed ignorance by avoiding the fact that Hamilton has a legitimate health problem which he will be struggled with for decades to come. This is bigger than a contract extension with the Rangers, or worrying about showing up on tabloids across the country. This is about Hamilton’s personal life and health. Hamilton is still man enough to own up to his relapse and continue his journey down the path of recovery. Was Hamilton out the next night partying, taking shots or doing drugs? No. He owned up to his mistake, which is not something a man without a care does. It was a moment of weakness because of a personal family issue. A lot of men would have had drinks in that situation.
Everyone can say Hamilton should be held to a higher standard because of who he is, or because of his past. I say no, however, and this is coming from someone who rarely drinks. Even though I have never been a drinker, I have seen how powerful addiction can be first hand. A person can care sincerely about becoming sober, but cannot beat the addiction. It is a struggle that requires more than self-determination. It is easy to have a weak moment as Hamilton did. Hamilton displayed how powerful the addiction is, but he is still not giving up. Hamilton is tested three times a week by Major League Baseball for recreational and performance-enhancing drugs. His team and family monitor him, and he managed to sneak away for one night because of his personal situation. It’s not an excuse, but to call him careless is not right. People can say Hamilton fell off the wagon or say he doesn’t care, but until a person puts their self in his position, they should withhold any judgment. So to Passan, or anyone else, keep an eye out on Hamilton in the future, and see how much he really does care.
That’s right——unless you or someone in your family has this type of problem—-you will not understand. Let whoever is perfect throw the first stone.
That’s right—–unless you or someone in your family has had the same problem, you don’t understand. Let whoever is perfect throw the first stone.
[...] A more logical opponent for Mouthyweather would have been Josh Hamilton. Why, Floyd might have tweeted, is Hamilton getting all of this understanding and sympathy after yet another substance abuse-related relapse? If Hamilton were black, would he be getting the same kid glove treatment? [...]