The Major League Baseball Players Association referred to the party who leaked the news regarding Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton's treatment program and other confidential items as "cowardly" in a statement released on Thursday.
MLBPA calls Josh Hamilton news leaks ‘cowardly’
Tony Clark and the players union aren’t happy with confidential information regarding Hamilton going public.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
“It is regrettable that people who want to see Josh Hamilton hurt personally and professionally have started leaking information,” MLBPA said in the statement.
Hamilton allegedly relapsed on alcohol and cocaine, violating the terms of the Joint Drug Agreement. He could be suspended for the entire 2015 season if arbitrators rule that he is a fourth-time offender, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“These anonymous leaks are cowardly, undermine the integrity of our collectively bargained agreements and in some instances have been wholly inaccurate,” the MLBPA said. “The Major League Baseball Players Association will use every right we have under the collective bargaining agreement to make sure Josh gets the help he needs, and the fair and confidential process to which he is entitled.”
The Angels owe Hamilton $83 million over the next three seasons. The original five-year, $125 million contract that Hamilton signed with the club in 2012 also includes a full no-trade clause. The five-time All-Star owns a .255/.316/.426 line in his two seasons in Anaheim.
The MLBPA added that it pursued every opportunity under the current collective bargaining agreement to ensure Hamilton “gets the help he needs, and the fair and confidential process to which he is entitled.”
Hamilton reportedly failed at least six drug tests during his time as a Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer. It's unclear how many of those incidents took place while he was on the team's 40-man roster in 2003.
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