Uh-Oh, the American League MVP is in the Hospital

By Richie Whitt Wed., Jan. 12 2011 at 8:49 AM

Categories: Texas Rangers

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You hear that Josh Hamilton has been hospitalized with pneumonia and what's the first thing you think?

Yep, relapse.

Can't help it. A guy with that kind of history of drug abuse who fell violently and infamously off the wagon two years ago and who still can't partake in a celebratory beer or Champagne dousing -- remember the ginger ale? -- out of fear of an uncontrollable craving will always raise eyebrows any time he gets more than a common cold.

Likely isn't a big deal. The Texas Rangers say he'll be released from the hospital probably today and should be full-speed ahead when spring training commences February 18 in Arizona.

Call me an asshole if you want, but it's the Rangers' outfielder who introduced this self-inflicted doubt into his life.

I had an upper respitory infection a few years back that was pretty ugly and I know people get sick. But it's not every day you hear of a 29-year-old pristine professional athlete getting hospitalized with pneumonia.

The Rangers are savvy to get out in front of this news. But the fact that they had to proves the point.You think Cowboys would put out a press release if Mat McBriar got pneumonia in the off-season?

I hope for the best for Hamilton and pray the worst of our doubts isn't in play here. But I also know that, when entering into long-term contract negotiations with Hamilton, the Rangers have to take into account his physical style of play, his possibly deteriorated immune system and, yes, the fine line he walks every day.

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Just like when Greggo was out with Larengitis I really wondered and had my doubts. I totally now buy it but I thought the worst. Honestly I still wonder about greggo when he doesn't sound "on his game" I grew up on him when I was in middle school, I'm 27. I am a greggo fan and I think he's doin well but I always wonder. I guess that's the life of a known addict who is a public figure. That doubt will never go away. email me if you'd like to respond.
Damn iPhone auto correct
I meant PR not or
Richie you have many legit points in your article and I think most of evertying you wrote is fair. I thought the same thing and i do wonder. I also agree it kind of reeks of rangers or control trying to get out in front of this. But your Matt mcbriar point is stupid cause yeah you're right but if it were Tony romo it would be a story, just no eyebrows raised.
Yeah. Pneumonia isn't contagious or anything. Asshole.
You ever liked something, something so much that you want it again and again, maybe say pussy, now imagine it being taken away for the rest of your life and you know you cant do it again or it will destroy you. BUT you know you still want it. It aint that easy bro
How is it not that simple? You get the urge to use or drink...then tell yourself "no". Willpower. My brother is a meth-head so I've seen addiction. Why hasn't he overcome his addiction...he lacks willpower. If he wanted to overcome it all he has to do is put the pipe down and tell himself no.
If only it were that simple....
relax readers, this is just richie's attempt to get back @ all those who raise a skeptical eyebrow when greggo is "sick" 10 days out of 3 months. dont fall for it, big cat.
The only thing even REMOTELY interesting about this story is that spring training starts on 2/18-woo hooo! Mark Twain. Yep.
"Call me an asshole if you want" Ok. You're an asshole. And a fucking dumb one at that.
"A guy with that kind of history of drug abuse who fell violently and infamously off the wagon two years ago... ". I'm not sure I would consider one night "violently" falling off the wagon. I'll agree he had a relapse but I didn't, and still don't, consider it that big of a deal. Then again, I've never struggled with addiction. I don't understand addiction...just stop doing or using whatever you addiction is. It's simple to me but people struggle with it daily.
...Call me an asshole if you want. I would but you already rewrote Huck Finn's n-word so perhaps I'll just call you irrelevant.
meh. Must be a slow news week....
No one gives a shit about Matt Mcbriar, he isnt a national story. Now if Romo fell ill with pnuemonia and wound up in the hospital, itd be front page news and the Cowboys would be releasing the same types of statements. And now you wonder why when Greggo misses a day of work, everyone wonders how much coke he did the night before. But as you say, he brought it on himself.
Actually, with someone who was once an intravenous drug user, you don't wonder about a relapse as much as the dreaded "complications related to pneumonia" (as in TEH AID).
It's my understanding that professional athletes (especially when going through heavy periods of training) are more susceptible to sickness than us plebes. Evidently, their immune systems are stressed and thus compromised.
The Ticket won every hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Fan finished second from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with ESPN No. 2 the remaining nine hours. (once again Newy Scruggs pulls the best ratings) Meanwhile, in their first full month riding afternoon drive, The Fan's Richie Whitt and Greg Williams were No. 3 behind the Ticket's Hardline and ESPN's Galloway and Company from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (rumor has it Tiger Woods wished failure on the Tardline) cue the hambonita drop, "bye-bye"
You are an asshole for putting half of your content after a jump. Just put it all in the main form and screw the jump. It makes it too hard to read on the phone if you don't.... many thanks, signed rather loyal reader