Yeah, I'm the Grinch, but is anyone else sick of the media

[EnduringFaith]

I am getting tired of the media force feeding us the story as well.

 

If I was Morneau tonight I would have been pissed. He wins the thing and they immediately interview Hamilton. Morneau got brushed aside like a nobody.

[carolinacubbie]

Any story where someone finds God and then overcomes everything is going to be beaten to death. I'm not against the story at all or against Hamilton as a person. I'm happy as hell for the guy that he managed to get his life back on track and become a good player. The whole he was 18 and a had a little pressure on him is BS. This guy got paid millions of dollars to play a game he loves. The only thing that annoys me about the story is the fact that God helped him overcome his drug addiction. When in all actuality his family and friends are probably the ones who deserve all the credit. I don't want to stir up a religion debate here, but it just really annoys me when people go to AA or any drug addiction place and have to find God, and then that is the reason they are clean now. Sorry for my rant.

[Derwood]

I think this season will be the end of it. 2 years ago the story was "he's back playing baseball", last year was "he made it to the big leagues", and now he's having an MVP type season in 2008. there isn't much else to write about

[CuseCubFan69]

I just hope the media making such a big deal of this isn't something will start Hamilton into going back to his bad habits. I think if he continued to lay low publicity wise it would be better for him and imo it'll take a lot of faith and inner strength for him to continue along the current path he is in.

[MasterBlaster]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

[imb]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

 

I think you're missing the entire point.

 

It's annoying how some people are downplaying what Hamilton went through because it was "self-inflicted" or because his family life was stable beforehand. Actually, it's not just annoying, it's flat our wrong. Yeah, he did it to himself, but that doesn't make addiction something he could just shake off. It's a disease. "Nobody says, "[expletive] Mitch, you have lupus!"

 

He wants to use his story to influence other people that have gotten hooked on drugs or alcohol. He's proven that, no matter how low you get, you can shake it off and get back to the top. Have you honestly heard anyone present the story in a way that says "don't worry guys, you can take drugs and it'll all still be ok?" You'd have to be a complete moron to take that out of this story.

 

Like I said earlier, I can understand being sick of the story, but a lot of these complains are idiotic. Can you imagine treating a recovering addict like this? "Yeah, that's great that you saved your life, Big deal, it was all your fault anyway." That's awful.

[javy knows my name]

Oh snap IMB just dropped some knowledge on our asses

[Elrhino]

I also love how enjoying Josh Hamilton's unique story and appreciating Grady Sizemore are somehow mutually exclusive. How utterly ridiculous.

 

The only thing that annoys me about the story is the fact that God helped him overcome his drug addiction. When in all actuality his family and friends are probably the ones who deserve all the credit.

 

His family and friends probably don't deserve any credit either. Hamilton deserves the credit for it. If turning himself over to be a humble servant of his personal God, or if finding a bigger and better purpose in the world than getting high can be attributed to his new found religion, more power to him. I find the humbleness of Hamilton's religious attitude more refreshing than the "Hey everybody, look at how great I am" attitude by professional athletes who just happened to have won the genetic lottery.

[MasterBlaster]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

 

I think you're missing the entire point.

 

It's annoying how some people are downplaying what Hamilton went through because it was "self-inflicted" or because his family life was stable beforehand. Actually, it's not just annoying, it's flat our wrong. Yeah, he did it to himself, but that doesn't make addiction something he could just shake off. It's a disease. "Nobody says, "foresooth Mitch, you have lupus!"

 

He wants to use his story to influence other people that have gotten hooked on drugs or alcohol. He's proven that, no matter how low you get, you can shake it off and get back to the top. Have you honestly heard anyone present the story in a way that says "don't worry guys, you can take drugs and it'll all still be ok?" You'd have to be a complete moron to take that out of this story.

 

Like I said earlier, I can understand being sick of the story, but a lot of these complains are idiotic. Can you imagine treating a recovering addict like this? "Yeah, that's great that you saved your life, Big deal, it was all your fault anyway." That's awful.

 

Awesome rationalization. Suicidal drug addicts should be elevated and adored by the media, especially if you entertain us. I expect more George Bush love on this forum from this day forward.

[MasterBlaster]

I also love how enjoying Josh Hamilton's unique story and appreciating Grady Sizemore are somehow mutually exclusive. How utterly ridiculous.

 

.

I think it's more apparant that some people can't make a distinction between Josh Hamilton and Stephen Hawking. Both men overcame incredible adversity to succeed, it's as simple as that. They are the same.

[imb]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

 

I think you're missing the entire point.

 

It's annoying how some people are downplaying what Hamilton went through because it was "self-inflicted" or because his family life was stable beforehand. Actually, it's not just annoying, it's flat our wrong. Yeah, he did it to himself, but that doesn't make addiction something he could just shake off. It's a disease. "Nobody says, "foresooth Mitch, you have lupus!"

 

He wants to use his story to influence other people that have gotten hooked on drugs or alcohol. He's proven that, no matter how low you get, you can shake it off and get back to the top. Have you honestly heard anyone present the story in a way that says "don't worry guys, you can take drugs and it'll all still be ok?" You'd have to be a complete moron to take that out of this story.

 

Like I said earlier, I can understand being sick of the story, but a lot of these complains are idiotic. Can you imagine treating a recovering addict like this? "Yeah, that's great that you saved your life, Big deal, it was all your fault anyway." That's awful.

 

Awesome rationalization. Suicidal drug addicts should be elevated and adored by the media, especially if you entertain us. I expect more George Bush love on this forum from this day forward.

 

How did you get any of that from what I said? Either you're a pretty effective troll or just really bad at posting.

[imb]

apologies if english isn't your first language or maybe you have really fat fingers and you just hit the wrong keys or something

[abuck1220]

it's pretty obvious that whether it be brett favre, yankee stadium, josh hamilton, or whatever...a lot of people on this board don't want to hear about anything on sportscenter other than the chicago cubs.

[Joe_Cub]

if those are the choices, who can blame us?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Any story where someone finds God and then overcomes everything is going to be beaten to death. I'm not against the story at all or against Hamilton as a person. I'm happy as hell for the guy that he managed to get his life back on track and become a good player. The whole he was 18 and a had a little pressure on him is BS. This guy got paid millions of dollars to play a game he loves. The only thing that annoys me about the story is the fact that God helped him overcome his drug addiction. When in all actuality his family and friends are probably the ones who deserve all the credit. I don't want to stir up a religion debate here, but it just really annoys me when people go to AA or any drug addiction place and have to find God, and then that is the reason they are clean now. Sorry for my rant.

 

I think for many of those, a belief in a higher power is what gets them through it. Whether that belief is in something real or not (and judging by your post, you believe it isn't real) probably isn't important. The person struggling with the addiction believes it is and that belief helps them face things that they don't understand or can't control on their own. I can see why giving testimony of that would irritate someone who doesn't share the same religious beliefs, as in speaking of it like Hamilton does appears to give evidence of the validity of such a belief system. And yes, I'm sure his family and friends were a help to him, but someone who believes in God likely believes it is God working through those. And if such a belief helps someone fight their personal demons such as Hamilton has, I won't begrudge them that at all.

[carolinacubbie]

Any story where someone finds God and then overcomes everything is going to be beaten to death. I'm not against the story at all or against Hamilton as a person. I'm happy as hell for the guy that he managed to get his life back on track and become a good player. The whole he was 18 and a had a little pressure on him is BS. This guy got paid millions of dollars to play a game he loves. The only thing that annoys me about the story is the fact that God helped him overcome his drug addiction. When in all actuality his family and friends are probably the ones who deserve all the credit. I don't want to stir up a religion debate here, but it just really annoys me when people go to AA or any drug addiction place and have to find God, and then that is the reason they are clean now. Sorry for my rant.

 

I think for many of those, a belief in a higher power is what gets them through it. Whether that belief is in something real or not (and judging by your post, you believe it isn't real) probably isn't important. The person struggling with the addiction believes it is and that belief helps them face things that they don't understand or can't control on their own. I can see why giving testimony of that would irritate someone who doesn't share the same religious beliefs, as in speaking of it like Hamilton does appears to give evidence of the validity of such a belief system. And yes, I'm sure his family and friends were a help to him, but someone who believes in God likely believes it is God working through those. And if such a belief helps someone fight their personal demons such as Hamilton has, I won't begrudge them that at all.

 

 

Yeah but the best thing about it is he was a huge christian even before he screwed up his life, so where was God when he went downhill? I'm not for or against religion, I just think it is ridiculous when I hear about God getting everyone through their hard times, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS.

[Derwood]

what the media should be doing is chastising him for his irresponsible past. that would be a much better example for the kids. "If you ever do drugs, you will be subject to scorn for life!"

[Little Slide Rooter]

The best thing about Hamilton is that he overshadows The "Cinderella Stories" of Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Any story where someone finds God and then overcomes everything is going to be beaten to death. I'm not against the story at all or against Hamilton as a person. I'm happy as hell for the guy that he managed to get his life back on track and become a good player. The whole he was 18 and a had a little pressure on him is BS. This guy got paid millions of dollars to play a game he loves. The only thing that annoys me about the story is the fact that God helped him overcome his drug addiction. When in all actuality his family and friends are probably the ones who deserve all the credit. I don't want to stir up a religion debate here, but it just really annoys me when people go to AA or any drug addiction place and have to find God, and then that is the reason they are clean now. Sorry for my rant.

 

I think for many of those, a belief in a higher power is what gets them through it. Whether that belief is in something real or not (and judging by your post, you believe it isn't real) probably isn't important. The person struggling with the addiction believes it is and that belief helps them face things that they don't understand or can't control on their own. I can see why giving testimony of that would irritate someone who doesn't share the same religious beliefs, as in speaking of it like Hamilton does appears to give evidence of the validity of such a belief system. And yes, I'm sure his family and friends were a help to him, but someone who believes in God likely believes it is God working through those. And if such a belief helps someone fight their personal demons such as Hamilton has, I won't begrudge them that at all.

 

 

Yeah but the best thing about it is he was a huge christian even before he screwed up his life, so where was God when he went downhill? I'm not for or against religion, I just think it is ridiculous when I hear about God getting everyone through their hard times, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS.

 

Understandable, but one of the steps in most addiction recovery programs involves believing in a higher power to get you through. Also, most people with a Christian worldview have been taught that all goods things come from God. So, it isn't surprising that he sees him as his deliverer. In fact, I would be shocked that anyone with a religious background wouldn't view it such a way. I'm not saying it validates his belief in any way, but it's quite likely the belief does give him strength to deal with what he faces. And if that helps him kick his addiction and be a better father and husband and person, I'm glad he has that.

[Balsa]

I was pissed when one of the announcers said during the HR derby "It's a bad night to be an athiest".

 

Like that has anything to do with anything.

 

Other than that, it's a great story, even if the media can't stop drooling over it.

[sneakypower]

he's got 95 rbis and #2 in the AL is 70

 

i think the media would be talking about him quite a bit if he wasnt a recovering crack addict

[Uber]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

 

I think you're missing the entire point.

 

It's annoying how some people are downplaying what Hamilton went through because it was "self-inflicted" or because his family life was stable beforehand. Actually, it's not just annoying, it's flat our wrong. Yeah, he did it to himself, but that doesn't make addiction something he could just shake off. It's a disease. "Nobody says, "foresooth Mitch, you have lupus!"

 

He wants to use his story to influence other people that have gotten hooked on drugs or alcohol. He's proven that, no matter how low you get, you can shake it off and get back to the top. Have you honestly heard anyone present the story in a way that says "don't worry guys, you can take drugs and it'll all still be ok?" You'd have to be a complete moron to take that out of this story.

 

Like I said earlier, I can understand being sick of the story, but a lot of these complains are idiotic. Can you imagine treating a recovering addict like this? "Yeah, that's great that you saved your life, Big deal, it was all your fault anyway." That's awful.

 

Awesome rationalization. Suicidal drug addicts should be elevated and adored by the media, especially if you entertain us. I expect more George Bush love on this forum from this day forward.

 

LOL.

 

Good joke friend.

[Amie]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

 

I think you're missing the entire point.

 

It's annoying how some people are downplaying what Hamilton went through because it was "self-inflicted" or because his family life was stable beforehand. Actually, it's not just annoying, it's flat our wrong. Yeah, he did it to himself, but that doesn't make addiction something he could just shake off. It's a disease. "Nobody says, "foresooth Mitch, you have lupus!"

 

He wants to use his story to influence other people that have gotten hooked on drugs or alcohol. He's proven that, no matter how low you get, you can shake it off and get back to the top. Have you honestly heard anyone present the story in a way that says "don't worry guys, you can take drugs and it'll all still be ok?" You'd have to be a complete moron to take that out of this story.

 

Like I said earlier, I can understand being sick of the story, but a lot of these complains are idiotic. Can you imagine treating a recovering addict like this? "Yeah, that's great that you saved your life, Big deal, it was all your fault anyway." That's awful.

 

 

 

 

I've not commented on this topic before now, and while I do hope that Hamilton does OK, from this day forward. As clinical psychologist, there are a couple things about him that in my line of work are real read flags. Some things we would be really concerned about.

 

The biggest being the fact that by his own admission he can't be out on his own. Not running to the store, out for fast food. He needs to call a friend, take his wife, or have everything delivered. Why, because he can't trust himself, even for a short time.

 

Also, addicts very often dive into religion, almost like an addiction when they get off drugs. We see that constantly. They become vocal about it, trying to convince others of how much they've changed. Only rarely is is genuine.

 

Addiction is a disease, a self inflected one. Very often in runs in families. It's not like lupus though, as we all do have choices. That does not mean that those who suffer with addictions don't deserve our help. They do. I hope Hamilton does well, the sooner out of the limelight the better for the young man. Limelight does not do well for recovering addicts....

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I hope Hamilton does well, the sooner out of the limelight the better for the young man. Limelight does not do well for recovering addicts....

that's something I was thinking about during the ASG, especially the derby

[17 Seconds]

I also don't find it such a great, heartwarming story of redemption. Did he overcome incredible adversity to make it back to MLB? Indeed he did, but his self-inflicted hardship is a much different thing than if he were kneecapped by Tonya Harding, for example.

 

I certainly do not see Hamilton as some kind of role model, or trophy that should be raised as an example to kids that anyone can realize their dream. What is the message behind all that? Become a drug addict right out of high school, and don't worry, because in a few years you'll wake up from your drug-induced haze and your dream job will drop in your lap. What a horrible message, and it worked for Josh Hamilton, a person with a natural athletic talent that him and few other Human Beings possess.

 

That's just how the media is though, they always elevate whatever is against established societal manners. It's telling because like others mentioned, people who succeed legitimately without being criminals, or taking steroids are ignored by the mainstream press, because that's how they are supposed to be, just normal folks.

 

Yeah, he did it to himself, but that doesn't make addiction something he could just shake off. It's a disease. "Nobody says, "foresooth Mitch, you have lupus!"

 

Comparing drug addiction to something like lupus is pretty ridiculous to me. Also, this "it's a disease, they cant help it" argument has always seemed like an excuse to me. Trust me, I've known drug addicts before so I understand how difficult and serious drug addiction is, but ultimately a person has the ability to stop doing drugs if they want it bad enough. A person with lupus can't make it go away, it's not possible.