I always knew leaving Texas for Cali was bad news for him. Mix in two years of injury and bad play and this is sadly not shocking. http://nypost.com/2015/02/25/josh-hamilton-faces-mlb-discipline-for-offense-worse-than-peds/
Not sure how this is worse than PEDs, although coke is now considered one. Anyone notice this fine piece (heh heh) of journalism on that page.... http://nypost.com/2015/02/25/i-am-the-wall-street-porn-star/
This goes back to what we were discussing in the other thread Tom about having clauses. I wonder if such a clause was in Hamilton's contract. With his past history you would think so but somehow I doubt it.
I have issues if the punishment is worase than PEDs.... 1, it isn't enhancing his ability to hit or field, 2, he confessed & it implys that he brought it up rather than waiting to be found out, & 3, coming clean is part of his recovery... To give him a harsher penalty than that of PEDs is BS... He has his demons & I wish him well
... I'd imagine that the only reason he "confessed" was because word had already gotten out, so I "award him no points" for confessing. what will likely happen in typical fashion, is that he'll be suspended (again)...go to rehab (again)...find Jesus (again)...and will return to the game with open arms (again). ...I'm also certain many will see this most recent "relapse" as an "illness"...but IMO, it's more of a weakness instead.
He has already failed several drug tests. To me he's another example of a guy who has the world by the balls but would rather throw it all away. I have little sympathy.
The thing that really sucks is that if there was no clause in his contract which is back end heavy, the Angels got major screwed. 2015 = $23M 2016 = $30M 2017 = $30M
The Angels knew his past and what they were getting into. They also have Pujols at huge money until the age of 42.
Just tired of the illness, sickness or demon label put on whatever somebody does. It's a choice. He was a star athlete and was lucky to continue on to a successful big money career. Then through relapses we're supposed to feel sorry for him.
Pujols contract is even worse with 7 years & another $189M remaining. And its also back end heavy. 2015 = $24M 2016 = $25M 2017 = $26M 2018 = $27M 2019 = $28M 2020 = $29M 2021 = $30M St Louis knew what they were doing.
Addiction is more than choice, these are biochemically triggered urges that often require other drugs to achieve a normalized state. Then time, willpower and choice get to reenter the equation. So in the case of relapses, that's on him. As for as reaching addition, the was choice too. But once you fuck yourself, there is a real illness in there. I'm a bastard, but not a heartless bastard. Lol!
...no way I feel sorry for him, or those like him. ...for just one of many examples, how many f'n times does Lindsay Lowlife have to go to rehab before realize it's all just a sham?...and why does the media feel it necessary to tell us about it every time she does?
...99% of people who do it once or twice recreationally are not by default addicted or physically dependant upon coke, alcohol, heroin, etc....for the most part it's simply a case of poor judgment by weak-minded individuals. ...and many people who go through rehab generally emerge and pronounce themselves as "clean"... only to "fall off the wagon"...and IMO, they typically do it "by choice".
No Ron, I'm talking about long term habitual use. The brain gets remodeled by over expressing receptors in the reward region. At a certain point, you are incapable of making reasoned " choice". Its fascinating science subject, had the fortune to sit through several lectures by the pioneers in this area of study.
...I know what you're saying, and for the most part I agree, but I think you took what I said the wrong way or maybe I could have articulated it better...what I mean is addiction, whether it's real, imagined, mental, or physical begins with a "poor choice." ...some people handle it better/differently than others...some are just weak minded.
If I remember correctly Hamiltons Ranger Team Mated showed respect, consideration, and support by celebrating their post Season Wins by drinking Ginger Ale. He then pays back the franchise by going to the Angels. Sympathy is between shit and syphilis in the dictionary. I'm not sure what actions the Angels will consider to help him out but I'd hope he shows more appreciation for the help he may be on the verge of receiving.
