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1 Year Suspension Is Possible For Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton will most likely face rehab, but could miss a full season of baseball. That would be devastating to both fans, teammates, and the league.

1 Year Suspension Is Possible For Josh Hamilton
evan-petzold
By Evan Petzold

According to Mike DiGiovanna and Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, there will be a four-person panel that will figure out how Josh Hamilton, outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, should be punished.

About a week ago, it was finally reported that Hamilton relapsed on at least cocaine. It will come down to two lawyers and two physicians, who are currently "deadlocked" when it comes down to if Hamilton should join a rehab program. Because of the tie, a fifth person will attempt to break the tie between the two parties. 

DiGiovanna and Shaikin explain how this could eventually cause financial problems for both the player and the team: 

"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."

Rob Manfred, the Major League Baseball commissioner, will get the final say on the suspension length. 

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About the author
Evan Petzold
Evan Petzold is a Detroit-based journalist with expertise in covering the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. A member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA) and Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association (DBSA), he brings a unique skill set in reporting and broadcasting to the table.