Josh Hamilton Speaks About His Relapse

Earlier today, Josh Hamilton held a press conference to discuss his relapse from this past Monday. Hamilton was honest, contrite, and extremely open, even describing the exact order of events on Monday evening.

From the press conference:

“When I talk about being sneaky, nobody saw me actually with a beer or drink in my hand. I can find ways where people don’t see it. That doesn’t excuse the fact that I was doing something that doesn’t work for me. No drugs were used at all. I’ve had two drug tests since Monday, so I have no concerns there at all. But anytime I drink, there is a point that comes where the switch flips and you never know when that point will be reached. It might be first three or four, or the 15th, and that’s what’s so dangerous about it. Things happen to me personally that I’m not proud of after I drink, they are personal and being handled as that.

“There was no pictures of me having a beer with somebody or anything like that. I did take pictures with people, and it was just wrong. That’s all it comes down to. I needed to be in a different place. I need to be responsible, period. And I was not responsible. Those actions of mine hurt a lot of people who are very close to me.”

Hamilton will always have to struggle with his addictionand he has the added burden of doing it in the public eye. Fortunately, Hamilton seems committed to remaining sober and has a large support group of family, friends, and teammates. Read the entire transcript here.