NEW YORK, March 19 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Josh Hamilton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft, was suspended Friday for the entire 2004 season.
The action was taken because of a violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy.
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Hamilton already had been given a 30-day suspension on Feb. 17. Under the new suspension, he is not eligible for reinstatement until spring training next year, the commissioner's office announced.
Hamilton missed the 2003 season for what the Devil Rays called "personal" problems. He denied that drugs were the reason for his absence.
The 22-year-old Hamilton played for Class AA Orlando in 2002. He spent 2003 on the restricted list and worked out with Class AAA Durham at the end of the season.
