Angels President on Josh Hamilton Ruling: "It Defies Logic"
By Ty Duffy
An independent arbitrator ruled in Josh Hamilton’s favor. He cannot be suspended for violating MLB’s drug treatment program for his latest relapse. MLB disagreed with the ruling. Angels president John Carpino, in a comment insensitive to the human element of this, said it defies logic.
Oh-oh. #Angels president John Carpino reporters:"It defies logic that Josh's reported behavior is not a violation of his current program."
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 3, 2015
What defies logic is the Angels signing a hitter entering his mid 30s, with a history of injury problems and serious substance addiction, to a backloaded $125m guaranteed contract. Hamilton is owed about $83m over the next three years. A suspension would have meant significant savings and some absolution from a nine-figure mistake. That’s the root of the animosity.
Personally, we believe drug addiction should be treated as a disease. Painting a medical problem as a moral failing across society has been inhumane, ineffective and expensive. We’d hope those admonishing the Angels extend the same sympathy to those suffering from addiction who aren’t talented, white professional athletes.
[Photo via USAT]