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Dukes' Custody Battle On Hold For Baseball Trip

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 9, 2007

TAMPA – The bitter divorce and custody battle between Elijah Dukes and his estranged wife will stop briefly as the embattled baseball player heads for the Dominican Republic on Wednesday to play winter ball.

Dukes and his wife, NiShea, were in court today fighting over visitation of their children and his payment of alimony, child support and her attorney's fees.

Dukes' attorney, Grady Irvin Jr., said his client didn't see his children over the weekend because he was concerned when NiShea Dukes made them available for far longer than the two hours ordered by the court.

Dukes had a few outbursts during the hearing, accusing his estranged wife's attorney of being concerned only about money, while he was concerned about being a father to his children.

The attorney, Catherine Real, said she has been paid $500 so far and has spent about $20,000 on the case. She said Dukes was late in paying $20,000 in fees, as well as about $7,000 in alimony and child support.

Seething, Dukes asked whether he would be able to see his children before he leaves the country, and then when offered the chance, said he had wanted to see them over the weekend, not now when he has to pack for his trip.

Circuit Judge Kevin J. Carey directed NiShea Dukes to allow her estranged husband to see the children if he changes his mind and wants to see them before 8 p.m. today.

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