MLB will not suspend Josh Hamilton... Seriously?

Now, if you have been under a rock for the past week you've missed a lot. From Craig Kimbrel traded to San Diego to the opening of a new baseball season, there has been a lot going on. One of the things that hasn't been really addressed as much as it should is the unbelievable verdict of Los Angeles Angels OF Josh Hamilton. Hamilton recently admitted to a relapse he had a couple of months ago involving cocaine. Arbitrators rule that Hamilton never abused his treatment program. I, a civil human being, honestly don't care if it violates HIS treatment program, you can't do cocaine and get away with it.

I was not a fan of Hamilton after he left the Texas Rangers heading into the 2013 season & honestly hoped he struck out every time he played us. That was from a fan's point of view, but if you have another relapse and not pay the consequences, that is where I draw the line. I am all fine with him dissing the Texas fans for not being a "baseball town" even though we supported you Josh, we supported you throughout your other relapse during your time in Texas. Wonder if he will say the same thing about Angels fans when they comfort him with applause after his return from the Disabled List. 

Back to the main point, Josh should be penalized just as anybody who does drugs. I don't see how Chris Davis can take Adderal & get suspended 25 games, but Hamilton does cocaine & gets nothing. What is the problem here folks? The problem is simple. MLB blatantly disregarded the rule book. It simply states that "Cocaine" is a "Drug of Abuse" stated clearly in the rule book. But, I guess we'll let this slide. Who cares if Hamilton does a little blow here & there? Honestly, I do. I don't want to walk around the ballpark and still see little kids wearing Hamilton jerseys & why their parents DON'T have to explain how bad of a person he is, as long as he hits the ball well.

Bottom Line: I guess you can party in the offseason & return to action at the beginning of camp all fine and well, you're an outstanding citizen. As long as you are a 5 tool player on the field, but a poor charactered fool off the field, you won't be suspended. Not a class move Rob Manfred, not a class move.

By James Trietley