While you cannot deny the monetary rewards professional athletes command, it’s important to remember these folks, for all the money they make, give up just about every bit of privacy to such a degree, it’s actually hard to fathom.

Take Josh Hamilton, for instance. The Texas Ranger, who is also a previous American League MVP award winner, has struggled with substance addiction for some time now. He famously fell off his sobriety wagon in grand style, thanks to the “we don’t care who we offend” style of Deadspin. A little under three years since Hamilton’s last relapse, reports are the Rangers slugger has once again fallen off the wagon.

Thankfully, we’re spared from another embarrassing photo gallery — one that was sent to various publications without the consent of Hamilton, mind you — however, Hamilton’s latest bout with alcohol has once again places him at the forefront of today’s Internet trends. Man, can’t a guy have a drink in peace without it becoming a nationwide trend?

The “nationwide” is not hyperbole. As of this writing, Hamilton’s latest fall from sobriety is the top trend on Google and an incredible popular trend on Twitter. As an example, there have been over 400 responses to the Josh Hamilton Twitter trend since that particular tab was opened in preparation for this article. As you can see in the upcoming screenshot, Hamilton’s relapse exploded across Google Search as well:

While most will say such exposure comes with the territory of being a professional athlete, I respond with a “really?” Just because you make a lot of money playing a sport means your personal life is fair game for everyone to pick over like vultures to carrion? Not that I’m trying to champion Hamilton, either. My concern is with the perception that it’s our right to revel in the failures of others, which is true. I suppose hoping for the higher ground is too much to ask for, especially when it comes to professional athletes.

It should be noted that, by and large, the Twitter reaction towards Hamilton was one of support:

But there are always those who try to be witty:

Professional athletes and Internet trends. Two great tastes that taste great together.