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NFT: Questions over Josh Hamilton's Punishment/Treatment

Matt M. : 3/5/2015 1:52 pm
Apparently, a 4 person panel convened to decide on John Hamilton's future will require a yet to be named 5th person. MLB and the MLBPA each selected an attorney and physician to decide on the player's fate and are deadlocked. According to the linked article, there is issue over whether to suspend him or send him to rehab. My question is, why can't they do both?

The additional question, if they suspend him, is whether he is a first time offender or possibly up to a fourth time offender. How the Hell can they not figure this out. is it really that difficult to determine if he was on a 40 man roster at the time of failed drug tests (6 of them) in the minors?

I am all for second chances and for a while Hamilton seemed to be making the most of his. But, when it gets into third, fourth, and beyond chances, at some point don't more punitive measures need to be taken? If the number of failed drug tests are supposed to result in a suspension, then what is the problem? Suspend him. If the CBA stipulates mandated rehab, then do it. If there is a gray area, why can't they do both?
Suspend, Rehab, or both? - ( New Window )
As soon as his talent is no longer worth it  
montanagiant : 3/5/2015 1:53 pm : link
They will drop him like a hot potato
montana  
Matt M. : 3/5/2015 2:01 pm : link
Agreed, but that is more the case of the Angels. My question is why is this so difficult for the league and the union? Isn't this laid out in the CBA?
my question  
mcr2343 : 3/5/2015 2:11 pm : link
what genius decided on an even-person panel to begin with if they were going to make it a vote.
mcr  
Matt M. : 3/5/2015 2:13 pm : link
I was thinking the same thing. And who will this "impartial" 5th party be?
RE: montana  
Mad Mike : 3/5/2015 2:15 pm : link
In comment 12165248 Matt M. said:
Quote:
Agreed, but that is more the case of the Angels. My question is why is this so difficult for the league and the union? Isn't this laid out in the CBA?

I believe that when he was reinstated, he worked out something with the league that provides different terms for him than under mlb's drug policy.
Mike  
Matt M. : 3/5/2015 2:17 pm : link
Thanks for that. I didn't know that. I also wonder how/why the league would agree to that. Why a different and seemingly more lenient set of rules for a known offender?
RE: Mike  
montanagiant : 3/5/2015 2:33 pm : link
In comment 12165299 Matt M. said:
Quote:
Thanks for that. I didn't know that. I also wonder how/why the league would agree to that. Why a different and seemingly more lenient set of rules for a known offender?

Yeah, why should he get special treatment above the rest of the players?
____________  
I am Ninja : 3/5/2015 8:26 pm : link
Because he's less likely to die when hes not away from the game.
this could be a bad precedent  
weeg in the bronx : 3/5/2015 8:58 pm : link
He voluntary came forward to get help. Now his livelihood is at stake? MLB needs to make sure they don't deter other guys who want help from seeking it. Some consideration must be given for people seeking treatment, this guy has a disease. Not a free pass but no hammer.
RE: RE: Mike  
Dunedin81 : 3/5/2015 9:30 pm : link
In comment 12165344 montanagiant said:
Quote:
In comment 12165299 Matt M. said:


Quote:


Thanks for that. I didn't know that. I also wonder how/why the league would agree to that. Why a different and seemingly more lenient set of rules for a known offender?


Yeah, why should he get special treatment above the rest of the players?


His punishment was always particularized anyway, and it predated the new CBA. That's why he should get special treatment.
Didn't he turn himself in?  
steve in ky : 3/5/2015 10:01 pm : link
Most times you read about guys testing positive and basically getting caught, but I believe I read where he voluntarily turned himself in after his relapse. If that is what happened IMO that displays character and should go a long way towards some consideration of leniency.
Admitting his relapse  
Matt M. : 3/5/2015 10:07 pm : link
should qualify him for rehab and I hope he gets the help he needs. But, that shouldn't mean he is above punishment.
Not suggesting he should be above punishment  
steve in ky : 3/5/2015 10:17 pm : link
Just that in the case where a guy with a problem has a relapse and then immediately and voluntarily goes to the league and admits what occurred should have some consideration of leniency when the punishment is handed down.

I think doing so would encourage others to consider doing the same. If players were encouraged to immediately seek help instead of trying to cover up their drug use it would be a healthier approach.

But again not saying no punishment but IMO it should be much less than someone with no remorse and trying to hide it but gets caught.
Look he came to them  
The 12th Man : 3/5/2015 10:47 pm : link
He did not try to hide it. Personally, I would suspend for as long he is in re-hab. When he get out let him get his things in order and re-instate him.
Personally I don't think teams should get salary relief...  
Dunedin81 : 3/5/2015 11:01 pm : link
from suspended players. It puts them in the perverse position (as the Yankees were in with A-Rod) of rooting for suspensions when contracts go south. Pay it into a fund for MLB alums or charity or something.
I really feel mixed on this kind of stuff.  
manh george : 3/6/2015 12:09 am : link
PEDs are in one category, drugs like coke and heroin are in another, in my view.

Addiction is an illness, and relapses are common. Do severe financial punishments help deal with the underlying illness? Of course not. I feel differently when a player takes them in a manner that endangers others, such as DUI, whether booze or hard drugs.

On the other hand, to the extent that a relapse reduces the effectiveness or availability of a player, the team should be able to get some compensation--or, as noted above, preferably it should reduce the player's compensation but go into an alternate fund.

An awful lot of variables in a situation like this.
manh george  
Matt M. : 3/6/2015 11:50 am : link
I agree about the suspensions/fines. I like the idea, in any circumstance of suspended salary or fines going to some kind of charity or fund to help retired players or something along those lines.

I think "recreational" drugs do fit a different category. But, they also have an impact on his ability to play and his team. He absolutely should get rehab and I have no problem with the league and/or union providing that. But, I also think some form of punishment is in order, for a repeat offender.
As an aside  
Matt M. : 3/6/2015 11:56 am : link
I would like to see a study on PEDs and addiction. I think they are too easily passed off as just for performance/muscle building. But, I think there is an addiction aspect overlooked.
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