Josh Hamilton off the wagon?

matthewbschultz83

Or on the wagon...I can never get that one straight.

Josh Hamilton Photos

Very sad if true. Some of the photos show body shots off women in bras. MLB Network going off in the background. So if the photo is legit, it happened this year. Josh and the Rangers to address before today's 3 PM (CST) game vs. Angels.

And to the poster said the Rangers are fading, we're not. Our pitching is worse than last year. Look at the stats. Its the vastly improved defense thats making the pitching look better. Look at the stat FIP and tell me I'm wrong. As long as the defense holds up this team will be in it until the end. And the Rangers looked like they were fading last night.

A definition of FIP:
Fielding Independent Pitching, a measure of all those things for which a pitcher is specifically responsible. The formula is (HR*13+(BB+HBP-IBB)*3-K*2)/IP, plus a league-specific factor (usually around 3.2) to round out the number to an equivalent ERA number. FIP helps you understand how well a pitcher pitched, regardless of how well his fielders fielded. FIP was invented by Tangotiger.

matthewbschultz83

Josh Hamilton Statement

In one of the most awkward press conferences in Rangers history, Josh Hamilton acknowledged that photos of him partying in Tempe, Ariz., in January were real, that he drank alcohol that night and that the Rangers have been aware of the situation ever since.

“I’m embarrassed about it, personnaly, for the Rangers, for my wife, my children and my family,” Hamilton said at his locker with a handful of his teammates joining the crowd of media that had formed. “It reinforces one of the things that I can’t have is alcohol. It’s unfortunate that it happened. I was out there getting ready for the season and took my focus off the number one factor in my recovery - my relationship with Christ. I hate that this happened.”

The scene played out in front of silent Rangers clubhouse, less than 90 minutes before Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. As soon as Hamilton began to address the issue, teammates such as Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Kevin Millwood and David Murphy joined the group of media that surrounded him. Rangers GM Jon Daniels stood at his side and manager Ron Washington stood a few steps back.

Hamilton said he went to get something to eat at a local tavern about two weeks after arriving at the Athletes Performance Institute in Tempe and that the urge to have a drink overcame him. He also said that he has not had a drink in the nearly eight months since the incident.

“I wasn’t mentally fit or spiritually fit,” he said. “It just crossed my mind ‘Can I have a drink?’ Obviously, I can’t. One drink leads to two and two drink leads to 10 or 12. When I was in AA, one saying I heard was one drink is too many and 1,000 is never enough. Alcohol just doesn’t mix well with me.”

The photos show Hamilton dancing with girls, licking whipped cream off one, and having whipped cream licked off him in another. According to the report on Deadspin, which cited unnamed sources, Hamilton asked where he could also purchase some cocaine. Hamilton said details of the night remain foggy, but wouldn’t be surprised if he asked the question. He is, however, tested three times a week for recreational drugs, including cocaine and has apparently passed every test. Hamilton had been sober since October 2005 after being suspended on multiple occasions by MLB for failed drug tests. Alcohol, however, is not on the list of substances for which Hamilton is tested.

“When I drink, it always tends to lean that way,” he said. “As far as I know, I don’t believe I [took drugs].”

Given the frequency of his MLB-mandated testing program, its unlikely that Hamilton would have passed a test he says he took no later than two days after the incident if he had cocaine in his system.

Though Hamilton’s mentor and Rangers coach Johnny Narron accompanied him to Arizona, Hamilton said Narron did not accompany him to dinner on the night in question. He went out on his own.

“When you get some time under your belt, you start to take things for granted,” Hamilton said. “Obviously, I didn’t have enough time under my belt. ”

Dboneesq

Hmmm ... the article state that over the past several years he "saved his marriage"! I wonder what his wife will say about him licking whipped cream of those girls T*TS and about the girls hands on his "manhood"?

digicat

He's said before that he didn't trust himself EVER to go somewhere w/o a close friend or his mentor, just in case something like this happened. I guess this just goes to show that he was right.

I hope that he truly is contrite and ready to move forward past this relapse.



<< <i>I wonder what his wife will say about him licking whipped cream of those girls T*TS and about the girls hands on his "manhood"? >>



Considering that she stood by his side while he was an unrepentant drug addict, I think she might be a very forgiving woman.

matthewbschultz83

I like how David Ortiz test positive, gets put on a list, is informed he tests positive and is aware of the list. List released 6 years later and denies ever taken them, and a week later at that. Hamilton screws up, calls AA, Johnny Narron, and the Rangers the next day. When the photos get released today, Josh holds an impromtu presser admits he did and he is still stuggling. He's sorry, he's embarrassed, etc.

I'm not comparing steroids to recreational drugs and alcohol. But I like how two athletes took two completely differently methods to handle this. And I bet in Josh's situation this goes away in a few days. Interestingly next time Texas heads home they play Boston (a week from yesterday).

What do you think will be the bigger story then, David Ortiz or Hamilton?

IchiroDeported

Hamilton seems like he is off the steroids juice and on the booze juice these days. Wonder if he will piss away the rest of his career as well.

swartz1

kinda makes his appearance on the ESPN Rick Reily show seem a little phony now...

guess no one should be surprised...

SDSportsFan

Why is this news?

So what if someone goes out and drinks, even if they get drunk! How many of us have done the exact same thing?!!!

Now, if he'd gotten behind the wheel of his car afterwards and exacerbated the issue.....Yes, that would be news. But just going out and drinking? Give me a freakin' break!!!!!

This is exactly why I've gotten so absolutely sick and tired of the media. They look for every little, tiny thing anyone does, and then they go and blow it entirely out of proportion. Just like with the steroid issue. They know it's illegal for the names on "the list" to be released, but they continue to pester people and get them to leak the information, and then they publish it. I think it's high time for the judicial system to start going after the media and finding out where these leaks are coming from. At the least, the media entities that are publishing the names need to be jailed/fined for aiding and abetting criminal behavior!


Steve

matthewbschultz83

I think unless you are an addict you can't understand what he is truly going through. I feel really bad for him. I hope he can stay straight and sober so he can be a faithful husband and a good daddy. I want him to be a great ballplayer, but the previous 2 are the most important. I think he showed a lot of character not only accepting responsibilty today, but calling the Rangers, Johnny Narron, etc. the day after the incident. He could have run and hid (ie., Mr. Ortiz). But he didn't, I just want this whole situation to blow over and get back to baseball.

I think everyone should reserve judgement because we have all made mistakes, but I don't think we've always manned up and owned our mistakes.

matthewbschultz83

<< <i>Why is this news? >>



Because the drinking is what lead to Josh's abuse of cocaine, which he reportedly asked for. He even admitted he probably did. Thank god he didn't find any. Because he'd probably still be suspended if he failed a drug test.

digicat

<< <i>kinda makes his appearance on the ESPN Rick Reily show seem a little phony now... >>



Makes him seem more authentic to me. He's not perfect, and never claimed to be, but he's trying to be good.

SDSportsFan

Matt,

Believe me, I do have sympathy for Josh, and absolutely wish him nothing but the best. I sincerely hope he gets through his battle with addiction.

I've been through the Air Force's alcohol rehabilitation program (one year long), and it helped me greatly, so I know a little of what he's going through.

All I'm saying is that I just don't understand why the media is reporting it. It is none of our (the general public's) business. The media just doesn't seem to care one damn bit about the person. All they care about is their bottom line, and they are too entirely willing to ruin otherwise good people in the process, as long as they (the media) get their ratings and money; and I'm just completely sick and tired of it!!!


Steve

SDSportsFan

<< <i>Makes him seem more authentic to me. He's not perfect, and never claimed to be, but he's trying to be good. >>






I completely agree!!!


Steve

matthewbschultz83

SDS,

I can understand, but once the player comes out and gets in front of a story I think it helps him immensely, thus making the story go away. I've got a couple of buddies with journalism degrees and those guys are just doing their job. It didn't appear on MLB.com until after he made a statement, same with ESPN. A fringe website broke the story, and the major networks didn't go with until Josh made a statement. I'll give them some credit for that.

Hamilton Interview with C. Dominguez

Digicat, couldn't have said it better myself. I love to see that fact that some of my favorite players are in fact human and screw up, and I love it more when they own up and learn from it. Josh swears he's been sober since then (8 months) and I believe him. I wish the steroid guys would learn from this. Because while we all may be sick of hearing about and have generally grown apathetic towards. Remember its the players who wronged us by cheating the game and the system. The media is just doing their job, even if they are trying to outdo each other by breaking the next name.

This wouldn't be news if it was Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Hank Blalock, etc. Even though all those guys are married. First off its the Rangers so most of the nation wouldn't care, secondly nobody has the story of overcomming drug and alcohol abuse currently in pro sports like Josh. He is an inspiration to many who suffer, but I think the infidelity aspect is just as bad. I don't know too many girlfriends or wifes who would be cool with their man doing that with random women. That fact does seems to be lost on the media.

yawie99

<< <i>Matt,

Believe me, I do have sympathy for Josh, and absolutely wish him nothing but the best. I sincerely hope he gets through his battle with addiction.

I've been through the Air Force's alcohol rehabilitation program (one year long), and it helped me greatly, so I know a little of what he's going through.

All I'm saying is that I just don't understand why the media is reporting it. It is none of our (the general public's) business. The media just doesn't seem to care one damn bit about the person. All they care about is their bottom line, and they are too entirely willing to ruin otherwise good people in the process, as long as they (the media) get their ratings and money; and I'm just completely sick and tired of it!!!


Steve >>



You opened this thread of your own volition, no?

SDSportsFan

<< <i>

<< <i>Matt,

Believe me, I do have sympathy for Josh, and absolutely wish him nothing but the best. I sincerely hope he gets through his battle with addiction.

I've been through the Air Force's alcohol rehabilitation program (one year long), and it helped me greatly, so I know a little of what he's going through.

All I'm saying is that I just don't understand why the media is reporting it. It is none of our (the general public's) business. The media just doesn't seem to care one damn bit about the person. All they care about is their bottom line, and they are too entirely willing to ruin otherwise good people in the process, as long as they (the media) get their ratings and money; and I'm just completely sick and tired of it!!!


Steve >>



You opened this thread of your own volition, no? >>






Yes I did, since it gave me a chance to vent. I'd already seen ESPN's reporting of it while watching Baseball Tonight (only because I wanted to see the day's highlights and scores). My rant was never directed to Matt or this thread, and I do apologize if anyone, especially Matt, took it that way. I was just venting my anger over ESPN's incessant coverage of things that are better left alone.

I just really wish there was a way to see game highlights without also having to suffer through all the bs coverage and editorializing of what the players do off the field. I simply do not care what any of them do off the field. I just want to see the games.


Steve

matthewbschultz83

Steve,

I didn't think you were spreading any venom towards me, just the media in general, which I'm ok with for the most part.

I don't think there will be a way just "to see the game" anymore. Not with all the blogs, facebook, twitter, and whatever else comes next. In the most random and unlucky of circumstances, we were one the Fox games of the week (I'll assume Yankees-BoSox were National and we were only seen in Texas and LA). But it was a main talking point for Thom Brennamen and Erik Karros. I was at work for the first 5 innings and the local radio broadcast brought it up one or two times and that was it.

It will be interesting to see what local blowhard and TV play by play man Josh Lewin will say when we go back to local airways Sunday afternoon. I know where color man, Mr. Ranger Tom Grieve will side. I freaking love that guy!

swartz1

<< <i>

<< <i>Makes him seem more authentic to me. He's not perfect, and never claimed to be, but he's trying to be good. >>






I completely agree!!!


Steve >>



So...back when they aired the show...Aprilish...and he claimed to be sober since Oct of the prior year...even though in January of the present year he "fell of the wagon"...

he seems more authentic to you??

WHAT???

baseballfan

i hope he gets it back on track, he's a great story

fandango

guy is KILLING MY FANTASY TEAMS!

worst 1st round pick EVER...

will never make that mistake again

IchiroDeported

Man, im shocked you didnt take Pujols with your first round pick

Seriously. hamilton faded in the 2nd half of last year and he was NOT a first round pick given his propensity to snort blow off a hookers ass and freebase cocaine.

Do I feel bad for the guy? No, i really don't... at some point enough is enough. I feel bad for his Kids and his wife, so I hope he an at least turn out to be a decent family guy regardless of how is baseball career turns out.

lsutigers1973

<< <i>so I hope he an at least turn out to be a decent family guy >>



Yeah, when I look at the pics my first thought is "What a great family man".

IchiroDeported

but bill you do body shots off of professional female bowlers and your still a good husband!

digicat

<< <i>So...back when they aired the show...Aprilish...and he claimed to be sober since Oct of the prior year...even though in January of the present year he "fell of the wagon"... >>



Show was recorded in January, broadcast in April.

digicat

<< <i>Yeah, when I look at the pics my first thought is "What a great family man". >>



Wow, no mercy with this crowd.

Bottom line, cold as ice: if you fail, you die.

matthewbschultz83

<< <i>

<< <i>Yeah, when I look at the pics my first thought is "What a great family man". >>



Wow, no mercy with this crowd.

Bottom line, cold as ice: if you fail, you die. >>



Yeah I agree. It's nice to be in a group with all these perfect people.

swartz1

how about this...

when he was "found out" he claimed he told the Rangers organization and his wife right away (in January)...

but three months later said nothing about it on national television with an hour long interview...(as a matter of fact went on to say he was clean since Oct 05)

hmmmm...something doesnt seem right here...???

I am not ready to hang the guy or anything...

but I dont have a bleeding heart for him either...

digicat

<< <i>but three months later said nothing about it on national television with an hour long interview... >>



Show was recorded in January, broadcast in April.

matthewbschultz83

<< <i>

<< <i>but three months later said nothing about it on national television with an hour long interview... >>



Show was recorded in January, broadcast in April. >>



Don't know if its been said before, but what a hypocrite....He goes on this show in April and says nothing of the incident in January....

Please detect the slight sarcasm here.

swartz1

<< <i>

<< <i>but three months later said nothing about it on national television with an hour long interview... >>



Show was recorded in January, broadcast in April. >>



oh...

I get it...after the show is when he went out and partied and fell...

digicat

<< <i>I get it...after the show is when he went out and partied and fell... >>



Thats how it works sometimes.

bigred1

Feel bad for wife and kids having to look at pics, how do you explain that to young ones?

digicat

If Josh and his wife have any sense, they won't show the pics to the kiddos. Why would they?

bigred1

They are on the internet, how do you keep it from them, should they find out from someone else, basic computer skills start around 4 years old?

lsutigers1973

<< <i>but bill you do body shots off of professional female bowlers and your still a good husband! >>



I'll drink to that. Damn the bowling groupies.

interchanges

<< <i>Why is this news? >>



Everything SDsportsfan says I would have to agree with.

Jeez, Rome is rambling about this again today. This happens a million times a day.
Just because it's a baseball player makes this a huge topic?
Who cares about what happens? That's his problem.
Bleh!