Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Josh Hamilton

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Josh Hamilton.

Josh Hamilton is a former MLB outfielder known for his talent and struggles with addiction. He was a five-time All-Star, won the 2010 AL MVP with the Texas Rangers, and secured three Silver Slugger Awards. Hamilton also won a batting title and RBI title. His career spanned from 2007 to 2015, including stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels. Despite his success, his career was significantly impacted by relapses into substance abuse.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: Failed Drug Test and Reassignment

During spring training of the 2003 season, Josh Hamilton failed his first drug test and was reassigned to the team's minor league camp after showing up late several times. He eventually took the rest of the season off for personal reasons.

2003: Hamilton Fails First Drug Test

During spring training of the 2003 season, Josh Hamilton failed his first drug test.

2004: Hamilton Suspended by MLB for Drug Policy Violations

In 2004, Josh Hamilton was initially suspended for 30 days and fined for violating MLB's drug policy, then suspended for the entire season after failing two more tests.

2004: Suspension for Violating Drug Policy

In 2004, Josh Hamilton was suspended 30 days and fined for violating MLB's drug policy. A month later, he was suspended for the entire season after failing two more tests.

2005: Hamilton Arrested, Placed on Restricted List

Before the 2005 season, Josh Hamilton was arrested for smashing the windshield of a friend's truck and was placed on the restricted list by the Rays, moving him off the 40-man roster.

2005: Arrest and Restricted List Placement

In 2005, Josh Hamilton was arrested for smashing the windshield of a friend's truck and was subsequently placed on the restricted list by the Tampa Bay Rays.

2006: Suspension for Relapse

In 2006, Josh Hamilton was suspended by MLB for the entire season following another relapse.

August 2009: Acknowledgment of Intoxication and Apology

In August 2009, Josh Hamilton acknowledged that he had become intoxicated at an Arizona bar in January and had been photographed "in lurid poses" with women other than his wife, and he apologized for his behavior.

August 2009: Hamilton Addresses Relapse Photos

In August 2009, Josh Hamilton called a press conference on August 8 to address the photos that surfaced showing him in a bar, revealing that he had informed his wife, the Texas Rangers, and MLB the day after the incident occurred.

August 2009: Hamilton Relapses, Photos Emerge

In August 2009, photos were released showing Josh Hamilton shirtless in a bar in Tempe, Arizona, with several women, confirming his relapse. Witnesses reported he was drinking and asking about obtaining cocaine, and revealed plans to go to a strip club.

February 2, 2012: Hamilton Relapses with Alcohol

On February 2, 2012, it was reported that Josh Hamilton suffered a relapse with alcohol.

February 3, 2012: Hamilton Apologizes for Relapse

On February 3, 2012, Josh Hamilton held a press conference to apologize for his actions related to his relapse with alcohol.

2012: Hamilton's Signing with the Angels Deemed a Failure

In 2015, Josh Hamilton's contract that was signed in 2012 with the Angels is widely regarded as one of the worst free agent signings in MLB history.

February 2015: Hamilton Relapses with Cocaine and Alcohol

In February 2015, Josh Hamilton relapsed, using both cocaine and alcohol. He voluntarily reported the relapse to MLB, and an outside arbitrator ruled that his admission did not violate baseball's drug policy, so he could not be suspended.

February 2015: Hamilton Relapses, Faces Controversy with Angels

In February 2015, Josh Hamilton underwent shoulder surgery and it was revealed he had relapsed into drug addiction, which he voluntarily reported to MLB. Despite an arbitrator's ruling that he couldn't be suspended, the Angels owner implied he didn't want Hamilton back, and Hamilton-related merchandise was removed from stores. The Players Association and some Angels players defended Hamilton.

October 30, 2019: Hamilton Arrested for Injury to a Child

On October 30, 2019, Josh Hamilton was arrested and charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony, following accusations of physically assaulting his oldest daughter.

2019: Felony Assault Charge

In 2019, Josh Hamilton was charged with a felony for allegedly assaulting his daughter.

April 8, 2020: Hamilton Indicted on Felony Charge

On April 8, 2020, Hamilton was indicted on a felony charge for allegedly beating his daughter, carrying a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison.