Dukes

by realityconquest on Dec 17, 2007 11:54 PM EST Comment 62 comments

LOL I just saw this posted before, does it ever end?

"Elijah Dukes - OF - Nationals

According to the St. Petersburg Times, another woman has asked a judge to protect her from Elijah Dukes, saying he sent her threatening text messages.

Can't we just make it mandatory that all women are protected from Dukes? Amanda E. Reese, who said she dated Dukes between August and October, was granted a temporary injunction for protection against domestic violence on Dec. 10. She is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning to seek extended protection. "At this point, I fear for me and my child's life, due to his past history with his estranged wife," Reese wrote in her petition to the court. Dec. 17 - 9:04 p.m. ET"

Can't help but laugh here.

0 recs | Comment 62 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I know!

domestic abuse is HILARIOUS!

by Galt on Dec 17, 2007 11:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Funny

Women in shelters, women being murdered by their male partners, and women hiding in fear.

Women being assaulted on the street by their baseball playing husbands.

It's all hilarious.

How fucked up is our society?

by GregJP on Dec 17, 2007 11:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeesh man

haven't you ever heard of morbid laughter? Not all laughing is because something's funny. Sometimes it's because something's absurd.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 18, 2007 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Morbid Laughter

Dude, I don't think you know what morbid means.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

attacking mood today?

first the poster - who probably meant he was laughing at Dukes being such an idiot he was throwing it all away. But then again I don't know for sure what the poster meant, and neither did you.

Then you're attacking Brick who is very non-antagonistic. Not yet in the category of a Mother Teresa or an IndiansFan! though.

chill out

by pedrophile on Dec 18, 2007 12:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Chilling Out

Sorry man.

I just draw the line at abuse of women and children. Somehow I lose my sense of humor in such cases.

Go figure.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You must not get alot of NY Jewish humor

(N.B. Am orthodox NY Jew) That's pretty much all of it. I guess I understand that, though it's kind of sad. Do you not like Borat, for example?

by OldProspects on Dec 18, 2007 1:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Borat

Love Ali G, but loathe and despise Borat because it isn't funny.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 1:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

are you actually inferring that the poster was laughing at the abuse of women and children?

That would be some pretty strong shit to be accusing someone one of.

by pedrophile on Dec 18, 2007 1:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To set the record straight

I realize nobody in here knows anyone behind their comments on here and their blog name...but I meant nothing by posting this, just that I think Dukes is insane, that was all. I dont want to be labeled as a supporter of child abuse...I'm really a pretty good guy lol.

Marcello on Tim Lincecum's 2008: "Yeah, he only pitched 180 innings last year, who knows if he can handle 200?!?!??"

by realityconquest on Dec 18, 2007 1:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that was an apology

it was sarcasm. So it would be the opposite of what you were taking it for.

by pedrophile on Dec 18, 2007 8:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

who are these women

with his history, who in their right minds would even go near a guy like Dukes?

by wibadger on Dec 17, 2007 11:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well

There are guys on death row who have been married, and others with plenty of girlfriends.

Its not the woman's fault for Dukes' hitting her, but I'm guessing she's not the brightest person around either.

Bonderman, Verlander, Willis, Porcello, OH MY!

by sportznut3081 on Dec 18, 2007 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

clarity

for what it's worth, i don't get the impression there's any actual hitting being alleged here. i know it says domestic violence blah blah, but i think that's just their fancy name for a restraining order. the issue looks like dukes going back to what seems to be his habit of Bad Texting. that is a form of domestic abuse, and i'm not trying to dismiss it. but i've seen this several times, people talking about dukes' woman-beating like it's a fact. for all that he's crazy - and i'm not saying it would surprise me - but i don't think that's he's ever been convicted or even accused of actual physical abuse of a woman. i could be wrong; i just don't ever remember seeing that.

by wily mo on Dec 18, 2007 12:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

clarity pt II

I'm not even sure the results of the last time he "supposedly" sent the you dead dawg text.

I think there is a solid chance he sent that message and another one here.

But it's kind of funny that someone alleges he sent a text message and not only is he considered guilty but physical abuse is added to it.

On top of that when someone tries to discuss the subject insults are thrown around and the almight f-bomb is thrown around, lol.

Merry F*$#'n Christmas.

get a beer and chill out guys

by pedrophile on Dec 18, 2007 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Apologists

You guys make me want to fucking puke.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

read and quit being an ass

I'm in no way, shape, or form saying Dukes is innocent. If I was to guess he was guilty of doing some of this. How much I don't know.

But to automatically assume guilt and tack on a few more charges of your own? That's something I will have to disagree on.

Add to that instead of discussing anything with me or others you are being an ass. You need help dude.

by pedrophile on Dec 18, 2007 12:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Guessing

You're "guessing" he's guilty of "some of this"????

Are you also unsure if Roger had someone inject fluids in his buttocks using a syringe?

Get a clue man.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

for my part

i'm fairly sure he's guilty of what he's accused of here, the text message stuff, and like i say it's very serious. i was just pointing out that people seem to be seeing the words "domestic violence" in that report and extrapolating that he beat somebody, when as far as i can tell that hasn't even been suggested by anyone.

by wily mo on Dec 18, 2007 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re:

Well, one of the things he was charged w in the past was choking his sister. Dont know what became of that case, but that certainly is physical and, while it isnt the conventional case, I think that has to be considered domestic violence against women.

by rhd on Dec 18, 2007 12:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ah, you're right.

i knew that, had forgotten. so, i take it back.

by wily mo on Dec 18, 2007 12:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yikes! he dropped the F-bomb! Run for the hills!

Seriously, can we have an Elijah Dukes diary that doesn't end in a flame war? Hahahaha don't worry obviously I know the answer to that is an emphatic no.

Hey fish, leave those kids alone!

by The Congo Hammer on Dec 18, 2007 1:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Dukes is Guilty

Here's his entire history of brushes with the law. Some were minor, and some weren't. Some were in fact physical abuse against women.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/23/Rays/Elijah_Dukes__A_decad.shtml

At age 22, Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes has amassed dozens of contacts with law enforcement and the court system. They range from traffic stops to paternity suits to his own calls to report being a crime victim to calls others made to report his actions. The following list was compiled from public records showing some contacts with the system. In some cases, records could not be obtained to show the resolution.

1997

Sept. 29: Dukes, 13, is arrested on a battery charge, according to Tampa police records. Because he's a juvenile, no details are available.

1998

Nov. 21: Dukes is again arrested on a battery charge, but because of his age details aren't available.

2003

Dec. 8: Hillsborough sheriff's deputies are called to Dukes' home after he fights with NiShea Gilbert. She says he threw a remote control at her. Prosecutors later drop the charges against Dukes.

Dec. 25: Dukes is pulled over on suspicion of careless driving. When a Tampa police officer approaches, he calls her obscene names, according to an arrest report. The officer yanks him out of the car after he tries to roll up his window and charges him with obstructing an officer without violence. He is allowed to enter a misdemeanor intervention program and charges are dropped.

2004

Jan. 30: Dukes calls Hillsborough sheriff's deputies after a fight with Gilbert, accusing her of spraying him with an unknown substance from an aerosol container. He tells deputies he wants to document the incident but doesn't want to prosecute.

March 16: Gilbert files for child support from Dukes for their son. A judge orders Dukes to start paying $222.26 per month at a later date. Dukes is already $23,337 in arrears, and the debt is factored into his monthly payments.

April 26: Gilbert calls Hillsborough deputies and says Dukes is harassing her and making threatening phone calls. No arrest is made.

April 28: Gilbert files for a protective order, also known as a domestic violence injunction, against Dukes, accusing him of peppering her with telephone calls threatening to kill her. She said she also receives threatening calls from other members of his family. A judge denies her order.

Sept. 15: Dukes' ex-girlfriend, Carla Bryant, asks a judge to order a paternity test. It shows Dukes is the father of her baby.

Oct. 12: Gilbert calls Hillsborough deputies and says Dukes threw a soda can and a candy jar at her. No arrest is made.

Oct. 15: Gilbert files for another protective order against Dukes.

Oct. 25: Bryant files for a protective order against Dukes.

Oct. 28: A judge grants Gilbert's order and bars Dukes from contacting her for one year.

Oct. 31: A judge grants Bryant's order and bars Dukes from contacting her for one year.

2005

Jan. 18: Dukes quarrels with his sister, Katrina Evans. Evans tells Tampa police he grabbed her by the throat and punched her in the left arm. Dukes is charged with battery. He does not contest the charge and is sentenced to one year of probation.

Jan. 24: Dukes' ex-girlfriend, Zanquesha Jefferson, files a request for prosecution with Tampa police. In it, she says Dukes came to her home and choked her. No charges are filed.

March 10: A paternity test shows Dukes is the father of Shantell Mitchell's baby, who was born on June 7, 2004.

June 16: Gilbert gives birth again and adds the baby to her child support claim against Dukes.

Aug. 8: Dukes is ordered to pay Shantell Mitchell $881.73 per month in child support until $10,871 in retroactive support is paid off. After that, he must pay $734.78 per month.

2006

Feb. 27: Dukes marries NiShea Gilbert.

May 1: Gilbert files a petition for divorce, claiming Dukes married her to avoid paying child support. She accuses him of being abusive.

June 5: Gilbert voluntarily dismisses her petition for divorce.

Aug. 24: Hillsborough sheriff's deputies arrest Gilbert after she scratches Dukes in the back during an argument. Charges are later dropped.

Sept. 20: Dukes and Shantell Mitchell reach a settlement allowing their child to live with him for the six months of the year he is in Tampa. Child support is suspended; Dukes informally agrees to pay for the child's expenses.

2007

Jan. 15: Dukes and his passenger, Willie Evans, 23, are arrested during a traffic stop after Tampa police find about 2 grams of marijuana in his car. The case is pending.

March 8: The child support case between Dukes and Gilbert is settled through mediation.

April 26: Porcia Reneal Daniels files a paternity suit, which includes a test result showing Dukes is the father of her baby born on July 19, 2006.

April 30: A Hillsborough County deputy issues Dukes a trespass warning after he shows up at Beth Shields Middle School in Ruskin, where Gilbert teaches. The deputy says Dukes was "very irate."

May 1: Gilbert files for a protective order against Dukes.

May 14: A judge throws out the petition after Gilbert fails to show up for a hearing.

May 17: Gilbert again files for a protective order.

May 23: The St. Petersburg Times reports allegations by Gilbert that Dukes threatened to kill her and their children.

May 29: Dukes apologizes to "family, teammates, the fans and the organization" for causing a distraction.

May 30: Gilbert gets a one-year protective order and says she has filed for divorce.

June 13: The Times reports that a teen who lived in the foster care of a relative Dukes told police the Rays outfielder got her pregnant. Detectives believe the sex was consensual and no crime was committed, but according to the police report the incident has prompted a review of the foster home.

June 19: Dukes calls a Tampa radio station to defend himself and his family and make further accusations against Gilbert. Rays officials acknowledge they are frustrated over the continued distractions.

June 22: The troubled outfielder is optioned to the minor leagues and placed on the temporary inactive list.

Bonderman, Verlander, Willis, Porcello, OH MY!

by sportznut3081 on Dec 18, 2007 12:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

A voice of freaking sanity.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks.

i did say i could be wrong, and i was. as i say, i'm not particularly surprised. i just had forgotten that choking thing.

i'll stand by the point about this particular case not appearing to involve physical violence, but i concede the "ever" point.

by wily mo on Dec 18, 2007 1:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Texas sharpshooter fallacy

Dukes has messed up in his past, sometimes it dealt with the abuse of women other times it was just Dukes acting a fool. But let's at least listen to the facts in this case before we just go ahead and call him guilty of everything. Just because he's seriously had issues in the past, does not or should not mean he's guilty of it every time someone accuses him of something.

It very well may be the case that Dukes sent a few threatening text messages, it could also be the case that there was something that was misinterpreted.

Let's just wait for some details before we call Dukes out on something that may be a bit overstated. If there's a lawyer around, how common are initial orders of protection, I'd assume they are fairly common.

by cubsfan2883 on Dec 18, 2007 1:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rednecks gone wild

Dukes is 100% foolish, no doubt, but there's plenty of crazy to go around here. He and the collection of women he surrounds himself with sound like the 'nekest of Redneck trailer park trash.

How long until the report that NiShea hit him over the head with a toaster?

by Crimson Ace on Dec 18, 2007 3:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not to defend Dukes....

and I suppose this is what bugs me most about the anti-Dukes crowd and some of the media, but most of those line items have either nothing to do with Dukes or nothing to do with Dukes breaking the law.

Like, for instance, according to this list there were five entries for 2006, and yet none related were to Dukes involvement with the law, as the OP's lead-in description would lead you to believe.

Or that 9 out of 13 of the entries in 2007 weren't brushes with the law with Dukes. And I even counted the June 13 incident which wasn't even against the law.

I'm not defending Dukes here, as I said, but the exaggeration of his checkered past is something that just bugs me.

by beastball on Dec 18, 2007 8:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it should be noted:

i really don't like dukes as a person. the reason i'm always arguing the dukes side in these things is that i habitually go against the grain. i see everybody going one way, my first thought is to go the other and see what's over there.

i do the same thing in prospect analysis. it's a really good way to help yourself cut through hype.

you can't be stubborn about it though. then you're just a contrarian. but as long as you succeed in keeping your analysis honest, a reasonable dose of contrarianism is a very effective means of maintaining perspective.

just throwing that in.

by wily mo on Dec 18, 2007 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Totally agree...

I tend to push back when no one else will, but as I said, I don't think Dukes is an "innocent" guy, he's most likely a short tempered, disturbed and potentially dangerous guy. He should be on a short leash, and I think it would be in MLB's best interest to jump in at the first sign of trouble.

That said, I do hope he can stay out of trouble. DC isn't exactly the best place to do that, but I hope that getting out of Tampa for most of the year will help him.

And there's no need to distort what he's done, or his reputation. An accurate representation of his past will cause people to pause. It's the inaccurate and exaggerated reporting that makes it feel unfair.

by beastball on Dec 18, 2007 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

also worth noting

from that list, there are five, possibly six incidents of violence against other people.

the two sealed battery charges when he was 13-14.
two incidents of throwing objects at gilbert in 2003-04.
the battery on his sister in january 05.
the choking complaint by the ex-girlfriend a week later. (that's the "possibly" since no charges were filed.)

without declaring him cured, which he's obviously not, i think it's interesting to note that there are none since january of 2005.

by wily mo on Dec 18, 2007 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

that's not even including the team incidents. Don't forget that in 2006 he got kicked off his team for choking a teammate.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 18, 2007 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Also....

I want to say that I fully realize that Dukes is a disturbed guy, can't control his anger on occasion. However, as his winter ball fight story demonstrates, the media is all to willing to blow these things out of proportion. So I'll reserve judgment until we hear the full story, if we ever do.

I've watched judge judy enough (SHES THE BOSS!) to know anyone can file an order of protection for any reason they want.

by beastball on Dec 18, 2007 8:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dukes is a nutbag

He is a bad person, its not really hard to argue against. I think it is really in his best interest to just completely seperate himself from his past people.

Get a finance guy who deals with paying his child support, move to Washington, and dont ever visit Tampa bay.

If I was the Nationals I would get him an apartment right near the stadium with a gym near by and buy him a bike. Tell him you reccomend spending his time working out instead of acting a fool

by Kanst42 on Dec 18, 2007 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What women date Dukes?

You should extrapolate that thought into "what women date OJ Simpson"?

He was found not guilty, but still, c'mon! The guy just commited armed robbery rrrr allegedly commited armed robbery.

by lenred on Dec 18, 2007 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

While it seems the burden of proof is on Dukes

Due to his past indiscretions, how about we wait a little bit before we damn the player. If this is true that's one thing, but at this stage these are allegations. It seems that she has some reason to be fearful of her life and child's life and a temporary restraining order was issued, the case on Tuesday will truly be damning if the allegations get a little bit more water.

I truly hope Dukes isn't guilty, but I fear for the worst here. No one needs to be emotionally abused..

by cubsfan2883 on Dec 17, 2007 11:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

+1

I'd like to also add the part which the newspaper "forgot to mention." Dukes was in the Dominican Republic for winter ball when he wrote that text message.

Not saying that means a whole lot of difference, but I think it'd be something worth mentioning if I was writing the piece.

by omambiyick on Dec 18, 2007 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Location

How the fuck is where he was relevant to the discussion?

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and...

I'll quote myself...

"Not saying that means a whole lot of difference, but I think it'd be something worth mentioning if I was writing the piece."

You don't think it's relevant at all that he was in the Dominican Republic?

by omambiyick on Dec 18, 2007 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Relevent

I don't think it'd be relevant if he was in freaking Lower Slobovia.

by GregJP on Dec 18, 2007 12:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You dead dawg!

They always said Dukes would either be an all-star, be out of baseball or be in prison. I'll go with door #3.

Hey fish, leave those kids alone!

by The Congo Hammer on Dec 17, 2007 11:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Auuuuugh.

Times like this where you'd hope baseball would police itself and all 30 teams would just not want him anywhere near their organization.

But hey, Wil Cordero, Julio Lugo, et al. remained gainfully employed after their incidents. They weren't anything like Dukes's long train of abuses, but I don't have any faith in the abilities of GM's to say no to the guy.

That is, unless he can't hit above, say, .227. THEN he's dead to the sport.

"...and the only things I've found better than listening to Vin Scully are listening to Keith Jackson and uncut cocaine." (bleedjaxblue)

by drjayphd on Dec 18, 2007 2:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This one is bull...

I am curious as to what the text messages said this time. Last time they were published, so I expect these ones will be too. But no where in this report does it says Dukes ever laid a hand on this woman. She is seeking the restraining order because of the text and because of his past with his ex-wife.

And after reading the list of his run-ins with the law, I doubt the validity of all the accusations by Gilbert. How many times did she get back together with him after filing a restraining order? She ever married him. Dukes is not Mr. Innocent himself, but this Gilbert woman is obviously unstable, and I don't think very trustworthy either.

Other than the Gilbert woman, and the altercation with his sister his Domestic Violence History is pretty clean for someone of his reputation. The Bryant woman filed for a R.O., but I see no law enforcement record of them getting into a fight. There were others allegations made, but no charges filed (which usually means it was a bullshit story).

I think Dukes is a pretty worthless individual, but now it seems every time his name is mentioned he is considered guilty. As someone with a BA in Criminal Justice, and about 10 years of working in law enforcement at different stages of the process, I have come to recognize where problems are pretty easily, and to me, most of Dukes' seems to just stem from his relationship with Mrs. Gilbert. They should both be made to get restraining orders from each other, and have them renewed yearly.

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on Dec 18, 2007 4:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bull?

I'd be scared shitless if Elijah Dukes sent me a threatening text. And yeah, I'd probably report it to police and attempt to get a restraining order. Didn't he send a photo of a gun in the text to his ex?

by MontrealMets on Dec 18, 2007 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

help for Dukes

With all these accusations, shouldn't MLB or the Nats try and get him some help?

We claim to think this guy is worthless, or a very bad dude, and he may very well be, but shoudln't we try and get him some help?

by dbimberg on Dec 18, 2007 9:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Is

neutering an option?

Carlos Gonzalez--I liked him better when it was Gonzales.

by PujolsJunkie on Dec 18, 2007 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nats are working with Dukes currently

from Barry Svrluga (the Washington Post Nats beat writer) today, near the end of the Dukes article (link is a mile long, sorry):

go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/sports/
click on the "Dukes May Face Charges"

Dukes had been holding offseason workouts under the tutelage of former all-star shortstop Barry Larkin, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Larkin, an adviser to Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden, had a reputation as an exceptional leader and communicator during his playing career with the Cincinnati Reds.

"All I will say is that we have been working with him on a number of fronts since the day of the trade," Nationals President Stan Kasten said in an e-mail last night. "And since that time he has been cooperative and responsive to all of our requirements."

Pucino, Dukes's agent, praised the Nationals' handling of Dukes since the trade. He said he spoke to Dukes yesterday.

"He's on a very diligent program that he's been following, one that Washington put in place," Pucino said. "He's on a program to help him succeed."

by VladiHondo on Dec 18, 2007 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good

I'm glad to hear that a guy like Larkin is trying to look over him.

Maybe he has a shot with a vet or someone as respected as Larkin keeping an eye on him.

He really didn't have any veteran leadership in Tampa to keep him straight, and Washington is a relatively young team as well.

Perhaps he can get the help he needs to keep his anger in check, and keep himself out of trouble long enough to begin to tap into his enormous potential on the field.

Or maybe he's a few incidents away from becoming a Lawrence Phillips.

All I want for Christmas is one more bully arm.

by sportznut3081 on Dec 18, 2007 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not that domestic violence is funny

but this line was hysterical:

"Can't we just make it mandatory that all women are protected from Dukes?"

by Locke000 on Dec 18, 2007 11:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

mmm

I'm pretty sure that's what people are talking about when they say he should go to jail.

Dukes would probably be in jail by now were it not for the attorneys that his baseball salary can pay for. Without the game, Elijah would be just another thug behind bars. Not that things should be this way, but that's the reality of the situation as far as I see it.

by MontrealMets on Dec 18, 2007 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That may be true

but that line was hilarious.

I heard Tim Lincecum will win 1 Cy Young & 11 Tim Lincecums. Question is, how many Cole Hamels will he win?

by the pinstripes on Dec 18, 2007 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This women

was absolutely terrified of Dukes. In fact, so scared that she didn't even show up to court. Seriously, everything that happens in Eli's life is huge. He's done a lot wrong in his life, but anytime something little happens, the Tampa media pounces and blasts him.

The women didn't even freakin show up to court for goodness sake. The only reason she went after him is his name is Eli Dukes, and he's a professional baseball player.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2007/12/injunction-dism.html

by Tyler on Dec 18, 2007 12:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

so....

Do you send threatening texts to the women you're involved with? The fact of the matter is, his name IS Elijah Dukes, and he's got a bit of a history.

But I think you're right about the Tampa media jumping on things a bit too much, perhaps. When home is as crappy a place as it has been for Elijah Dukes, getting drafted by your hometown team isn't going to help.

by MontrealMets on Dec 18, 2007 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No

and when he does there should be consequences. Fact is, he didn't in this case, and if he did, she obviously didn't take it seriously enough to show up for court. I'm going with, he didn't and she made it up in this case. That doesn't excuse his past, but you've got to consider the source. These women are at least as crazy as him because they're with him. So I don't trust anything they say either.

by Tyler on Dec 18, 2007 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Couldn't have said it better, or more concisely myself.

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on Dec 18, 2007 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Finally

With this final problem past him, he can finally resume his magic carpet ride of a career. You have to love the guy...

.258, 27 HR, 61 RBI on the way in 2008. Gonna be a fun year in the new ballpark until Elijah kills a fan during the 7th inning stretch in the final home game of the season.

Carlos Gonzalez--I liked him better when it was Gonzales.

by PujolsJunkie on Dec 18, 2007 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If its a Phillie fan heckling him, it will be

justifiable homicide. ;)

"Gonna be a fun year in the new ballpark until Elijah kills a fan during the 7th inning stretch in the final home game "

He'll get probation, tops.

by VladiHondo on Dec 18, 2007 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

funny.

This story breaks, there's a big rush over here to condemn Dukes.

The girl doesn't show up, case is dismissed. Relatively no one shows up to say anything.

Hmmm..........

by omambiyick on Dec 18, 2007 8:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I know its bad to blame the victim, but...

Why the hell do these women keep hooking up with Dukes? Does he have the golden tongue? Does he release pheromones that make any female in the area want to have sex with him? Are the women just really, really dumb?

Is he really THAT attractive that these girls just overlook the whole rap sheet and think "Well, he won't try to throttle me! He won't get ME pregnant!"

by Zonis on Dec 19, 2007 12:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

And the real story comes out

"According to Dukes' attorney, Grady Irvin, Dukes had asked Reese to watch his car and home while he was playing baseball in the Dominican Republic this fall. When Dukes decided to discontinue that plan, his car disappeared. Also missing from his home were Christmas gifts for his daughter, Irvin said.

The car eventually was located, but the stereo equipment was gone, Irvin said."

He loaned her the car, she stole and sold the stereo and wasn't willing to give it back to him when he came home.

by Tyler on Dec 19, 2007 11:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

well

that's the real story according to dukes' lawyer. quite possible that it's true, especially in light of her not showing up to court, but let's not go taking it for granted.

by wily mo on Dec 19, 2007 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs