Josh Hamilton MLB News & Updates: Three-Time Offender? Suspension Length Still Undetermined

Los Angeles Angels Josh Hamilton's suspension could be longer than expected as the MLB said that it will be considering a wide range of issues including his previous record of being in the suspended list twice in the past.

It was earlier reported that Hamilton's suspension for drug relapse could be between 25 days to a year but sports analysts are now looking into an even longer period for the outfielder.

Fox Sports said in a report that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is mulling over slapping Hamilton with "a broad range of penalties." The same report noted that his previous suspension for two years, from Feb. 18, 2004 to June 1, 2006 is also being highly considered as there have been questions about the number of violations he committed during that time.

Covering three seasons, Hamilton's suspension could have made him a "three-time offender," according to Fox Sports, adding that he was initially given a year suspension but it had to be extended for additional violations he committed then was reinstated in 2006.

During his reinstatement, an LA Times report said that he was very thankful for the new chance on his career.

"Obviously, I have a past history of making mistakes, drugs and alcohol and all that. I'm so happy to see and hear an organization say, 'We're so excited and happy we got you, no matter what the risk is,' " he was quoted by the LA Times as saying.

But last week marked another blow in the athlete's career as he met with league officials admitting that he relapsed. The LA Times discussed that with this recent issue, the Angels would not want to have him back. It seems they already have a "reliable outfielder" in the person of Matt Joyce.

"They also don't need the weight of his giant contract, and could use the enormous suspension savings from the remaining $90 million on his deal to acquire a veteran at the trading deadline," the LA Times report added.

Discussing the punishment for the violation of the treatment program, Fox Sports said that a player is slapped with 15-20 game suspension for the first offense, 25 to 50 games (second offense), 50 to 75 games (third offense), at least one year (fourth offense), and commissioner's discretion (all subsequent offenses).

In the coming days, Manfred is expected to determine how grave Hamilton's offenses are and their equivalent punishments.

But Fox Sports noted that the MLBPA will "likely" defend Hamilton's case in the event the union does not agree with the punishment to be given to Hamilton.

As for the player himself, he is expected to undergo rehabilitation again for his relapse and hopefully he will be given the chance to come back to the league once more.