Josh Hamilton Won't Be Suspended For Violating Drug Treatment Program

Josh Hamilton will not be suspended by MLB for violating his treatment program by the commissioner, an arbitrator ruled on Friday. Hamilton suffered a relapse earlier this year — reportedly involving cocaine —  and self-reported it to baseball officials. The four-person panel who looked over his case became deadlocked and an independent arbitrator needed to be brought in to break the tie, and decided Hamilton didn’t fail compliance with his substance abuse program.

Thursday, news came out that the decision wouldn’t be made until after Opening Day and there were reports Hamilton could face up to a year’s suspension.

Here is the statement from MLB:

Hamilton has been away from the team and wasn’t slated to start the season on time prior to this news, but can rejoin the team immediately. The Angels will be on the hook for his entire salary, which is $83 million over the next three seasons. Figure it’s a big win for the MLBPA, as well.

Update: the Angels released a statement. Make of it what you will …

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