Hamilton takes steps to prevent another relapse

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, a recovering drug addict, admitted Friday he had a relapse and had “three or four” drinks earlier this week at a Dallas-area bar. Hamilton called it a “weak moment” and said he’ll take specific steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The 30-year-old player was suspended for more than three years for drug and alcohol use while in the Tampa Bay organization. He missed the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons but has become one of the best players in baseball on a team that has won the last two American League pennants. He was the AL MVP in 2010. Hamilton said he has not taken any drugs and had been tested twice since Monday, part of his normal routine. It is Hamilton’s second known alcohol-related relapse. In January 2009, he drank to excess in a bar in Tempe, Ariz. Before that, Hamilton said he hadn’t taken a drink of alcohol since Oct. 6, 2005. Hamilton’s wife, Katie, tweeted: “Truly appreciate all the encourag- ing & supportive tweets we’ve been getting. God is Faithful and forgives- so thankful that you all are.” Hamilton said his life “is based on making the right choices, everything as far as my recovery, as far as my baseball goes, it’s all based around my relationship with the Lord.” “You all know how hard I work on the field, I give it everything I have,” he said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “When I don’t do that off the field, I leave myself open for a weak moment. I had a weak moment Monday night.”