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When Josh Hamilton apologized upon his return to Major League Baseball, he did and said all of the right things.

Yes, he had messed up and almost thrown away a potentially lucrative and amazing career, playing a kids' game for millions of dollars. But he was determined to salvage his life and career.

He gave credit to his wife and sponsors for helping him through a tough time. He also gave undying credit to his faith and Jesus Christ for saving his life. But, he didn't stop there.

Unlike so many who throw around God's name in vain, acting as if they were now on their way to being perfected souls who could never do wrong as long as they believed in God, Hamilton admitted his frailty.

Not only had he failed himself and his loved ones and his own talent in the past, there was a chance he would do it again. He didn't do this to give himself a get out of jail free card, he did it because he knew the dangers and power of his addiction. He knew that, while you can slowly remove the claws of addiction from your skin, you are never completely free of them.

Over the weekend, Hamilton's words from several years ago proved prophetic, as evidence of his falling off the wagon came in the form of pictures posted on Deadspin.com.

Hamilton, who has admitted that he always needs help when he goes out, had gone out alone to a bar in Arizona. He met some gorgeous, party-loving young ladies, and as almost any red-blooded male would do when surrounded by women offering him drinks, adulation and skin, gave in to temptations of the flesh and the bottle.

It's OK to do that if you're a single man. Hell, in professional sports, it's almost OK to do that if you are a married man. As a recovering addict, it is never OK to take a night off.

Hamilton knew it and the next day confessed his weakness to his team, knowing that honesty in recovery was the best way to move forward.

What the incident does to his playing career, and he has struggled mightily this year, is yet to be seen. What it does to his reputation is a different story. Unlike so many athletes who have sanctimoniously lied about cheating by using drugs or even cheating on their wives, Hamilton has owned his failure. It is the best way for him to move on, and those around him should be supportive and understanding.

Considering  he "only" had some drinks, I imagine most players will understand, but it's the fans and the media who are probably most important here (excepting his family).

The fans are undoubtedly thrilled, and maybe even a little shocked to see a player own up to being imperfect, and to do it contritely and with remorse. Hamilton may have once been the poster boy for bad behavior, but, though he is still an addict, he is now the poster boy for how to go about owing your mistakes.

The incident proves not only how weak we all can be, but sheds light on just how crippling alcohol and drugs can be to some. While some parents may feel this recent story tarnishes the star he became during last year's home run derby, the fact of the matter is sports have been inundated with real scandal: murders, DWIs, illegal substance abuse to improve performance.

Charles Barkley turned out to be prophetic when he said that he was not a role model, despite the public backlash to his truth telling. As it turns out, many of kids' heroes today shouldn't be considered a role model.

Ironic, isn't it, that one of the players who initially became famous for his bad behavior is now showing others what makes a true role model: honesty and humility.

Hamilton may never be the player he was a year ago, and God forbid, he may slip again (for all we know, January may not have been his only moment of weakness). But at least he is owning up to his decisions and proving that none of our stars are superheroes. The best we can hope for is that they are decent men.