Rangers' Hamilton confirms alcohol relapse

ARLINGTON, Texas. — Texas Rangers outfielder and recovering drug addict Josh Hamilton said Friday that he had a relapse that started with "three or four" drinks at a Dallas-area bar this week, apologizing for a "weak moment" that he said he will try to make sure doesn't happen again.

The 30-year-old player said he didn't get into any trouble during Monday night's relapse, though he admitted that he was in pictures with various passers-by.

He said his actions "are mine that hurt a lot of people very close to me."

Hamilton was suspended for more than three years for drug and alcohol use while in the Tampa Bay organization. The former No. 1 overall draft pick 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 no thoughts of doing so. He said he has been tested for drugs twice since Monday, part of his normal routine. He said he expects to meet soon with Major League Baseball doctors in New York.

It is Hamilton's second known alcohol-related relapse in three years. In January 2009, he drank to excess in a bar in Tempe, Ariz. Before that, Hamilton said he had been sober since Oct. 6, 2005.

In Twitter posts, Hamilton's wife, Katie, wrote: "Truly appreciate all the encouraging & supportive tweets we've been getting. God is Faithful and forgives- so thankful that you all are ... Showing us such love and encouragement during this time."

Hamilton spoke for about 12 minutes without using any prepared notes or taking any questions. Though there were no tears, he struggled with his emotions at times. He closed his eyes at one point, forced a smile at another time.

"My life in general 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," Hamilton said. "And I look at it like that, you all know how hard I play on the field and I give it everything I absolutely have. When I don't do that off the field, I leave myself open for a weak moment."

Without being specific, Hamilton said that weak moment Monday night came for "personal reasons" with a family member. He said he walked to a restaurant to have dinner and ended up ordering "three or four drinks" before calling Ian Kinsler to come hang out with him.