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Judge Seals Dukes' Drug Evaluation

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By THOMAS W.  KRAUSE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2007

Updated: 09/25/2007 04:25 pm

TAMPA - A judge ordered a drug evaluation report on Elijah Dukes sealed and he wants to read it first.

Circuit Judge J. Kevin Carey also ordered a family counselor meeting with Dukes and his estranged wife NiShea to read the report.

Elijah Dukes

Carey said Elijah Dukes has until Friday to pay the first installment of attorneys' fees or face jail.

Last week, after Elijah – the Devil Rays' inactive outfielder - and NiShea Dukes had a misunderstanding about Dukes' first court-sanctioned visitation with his children, Judge Carey said he would set up a visitation schedule to help avoid problems between the divorcing couple. He is expected to discuss that schedule at today's hearing.

Also last week, NiShea Dukes' attorney, Catherine Real, received a copy of a drug evaluation report where Elijah Dukes was questioned about his use of alcohol and drugs – including steroids. Real repeatedly has said that she has concerns that Elijah Dukeshas rage issues stemming from steroid use.

This morning, Real said the drug evaluation report was very interesting. She would not comment on whether it mentioned possible steroid use by Elijah Dukes.

Before last week's visit, Elijah Dukes had not been permitted to see his children since his estranged wife accused him of leaving a message on her cell phone, threatening to kill her and the children. She said he also sent her a text message with the photo of a gun.

NiShea Dukes

After recent troubles, including an arrest for possession of marijuana and paternity suits, the Rays optioned Dukes to their minor-league affiliate in Durham, N.C., and placed him on the temporary inactive list. He still is collecting a $380,000 salary.

Elijah Dukes' attorney, Grady Irvin, has said Dukes' baseball salary is the only way he can take care of his children. He questioned why Real is attacking Dukes' baseball career with allegations of steroid use.

Real has said she only wants to make sure her client and her client's children are safe.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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