Josh Hamilton was a highly talented baseball player who faced a tragic downfall largely due to substance abuse and personal struggles. Early in his career, after being drafted first overall in 1999, he suffered a serious car accident in 2001 that led to major injuries and triggered his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. Despite multiple attempts at rehab and periods of sobriety, Hamilton relapsed several times throughout his career, including a notable relapse in 2012 while with the Los Angeles Angels, which effectively ended his tenure there
. Hamilton played his final MLB season with the Texas Rangers before retiring in 2017 due to injuries. His career, though marked by impressive achievements such as five All-Star selections and an AL MVP award in 2010, was overshadowed by his ongoing battles with addiction and injuries
. After retiring, Hamilton's troubles continued off the field. In 2019, he was arrested and charged with felony child abuse for allegedly assaulting his daughter. He was indicted in 2020 and pleaded guilty in 2022 to a lesser misdemeanor charge of unlawful restraint, receiving probation, a fine, community service, and mandatory classes
. In summary, Josh Hamilton's life post-baseball has been marred by legal issues and the consequences of his long struggle with substance abuse, which ultimately curtailed what could have been an even more remarkable sports career
