BY MARC STEIDLER

It’s been three years since the Rangers’ Josh Hamilton last drank alcohol in public, but the Dallas Morning News reports the recovering addict relapsed this week. Texas TV stations WFAA and KXAS showed their support for the embattled slugger Friday morning.

“We’re wishing him the best, that’s unfortunate.”
“Absolutely wishing him the best.”
“He’s gone through a tough time.”

“In fact, many fans and people in general will tell you that’s part of what makes him so popular. He’s a human being, he has faults and he has been open about them.”

While Hamilton receives an outpouring of support, the 2010 American League MVP faces free agency after the upcoming season. ESPN Dallas’ Richard Durrett says the Rangers have a lot to think about before offering him a new deal.

“There’s a lot of factors here, it’s not just this incident or what he’s been doing. It’s also the injury issues and what is the correct value for Josh Hamilton? He’s going to be 31 in May. How long do they want to go for him?”
 

Contract speculation aside, a writer for Yahoo! Sports is concerned with Hamilton’s apparent inability to fully grasp the impact of his actions.

“The most famous addict in sports does not go to a bar in the town where he is best known without full knowledge that his exploits will become public in a matter of hours...That it prevailed in such open fashion is what should scare Hamilton’s family as well as the Rangers.”

As for the ever-present Internet critics -- a columnist for the LA Times asks that they pause before attacking Hamilton.

“A little compassion goes a long way. Many people are rallying around Hamilton today, but for those who want to use this to attack him, look in a mirror, and ask yourself if you will ever need anyone to support you one day.”

On Friday, Hamilton spoke publicly about the incident. Here’s what he had to say about his battle, courtesy of ESPN and KTVT.

“You know, just call somebody, just talk to somebody. It’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to show weakness. Everybody has them.”

 

Transcript by Newsy.