Josh Hamilton Could Be Suspended for Entire Season, Arbitrator Needed to Make Decision

Josh Hamilton’s status for the 2015 baseball season remains in limbo. Last week, news began to emerge that former MVP was in New York meeting with baseball officials over a substance abuse relapse, reportedly involving alcohol and cocaine. MLB has since formed a four-man panel — two attorneys, two physicians (one of each provided by MLB and the Player’s Association) — to decide on what sort of discipline the outfielder should face and if rehab should be included in said treatment. According to the Los Angeles Times, the panel is deadlocked on what to do, meaning an arbitrator will ultimately make the final decision.

The Times also reports that Hamilton, who’s had numerous issues with substance abuse during his career, could face up to a year’s suspension due to previous violations while in the minor leagues with Tampa last decade.

"Hamilton is known to have failed at least six drug tests as a Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer, and he was suspended from baseball from 2004 to 2006. It is unclear how many of his minor league offenses came when he was listed on the Rays’ 40-man roster. MLB officials are considering whether to classify him as a fourth-time offender of its drug policy, the person with knowledge of the discussions said. Violators face a range of penalties, starting at 15 to 25 games for a first offense, 25 to 50 games for a second offense, 50 to 75 games for a third offense and at least one full season for a fourth offense. Commissioner Rob Manfred would have the final say on the length of a suspension."

There is a lot of money on the table, too, depending which way the ruling goes.

"Hamilton is scheduled to make $25 million this season. He is in the third year of a five-year, $125-million deal with the Angels. If he is sent into a rehabilitation program, he would be owed his full salary for 30 days, then half his salary for the next 30 days — a total of $6.2 million. If he is suspended and not in treatment, he would not be paid. However, it is unclear whether the Angelswould have to pay Hamilton at all if he previously entered a rehabilitation program that lasted at least 60 days."

How this plays out is going to be one of the first real tests for new MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. Suspending Hamilton but not allowing him to enter treatment is quite punitive. Same thing goes for suspending him for an entire season and keeping him away from the game.