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Judge Shortens Ex-Ray Dukes' Drug Probation

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 24, 2008

TAMPA – A judge has allowed former Tampa Bay Rays player Elijah Dukes to end his probation on a drug charge six months early.

Elijah Dukes

Dukes appeared in a Tampa courtroom this morning but did not speak. Judge John Conrad said Dukes had met the conditions of his probation, including completing community service.

In January 2007, Tampa police stopped Dukes' 2006 Dodge Charger because of loud music. As they walked up to the car, they could smell marijuana, police said. A drug-sniffing dog also alerted the officers to the presence of an illegal substance.

Dukes and a friend were cited for possession. Officers quoted Dukes as saying, "Are you really going to arrest me over a little sack of weed?"

Dukes pleaded no contest to the possession of marijuana charge in September. Judge Conrad then sentenced Dukes to 12 months of probation and 50 hours of community service. The judge also said Dukes had to undergo drug evaluation and submit to at least three random drug tests.

Conrad also said Dukes could end his probation six months early in return for community service.

Dukes performed 25 hours of community service at Lowry Park Zoo from April 17 to 20, said his attorney, Grady Irvin.

"He did everything from helping to erect a fence to landscaping to tidying up the janitorial closet," Irvin said. "He took lunch with the guys. Sweeping. He did all of those things. He didn't have a plush job where he'd sit here and tell people where the bathroom is."

A question was raised in the courtroom today as to whether Dukes violated probation by not reporting in December, January or February. But Irvin said Dukes had been playing spring baseball.

"He wasn't missing in action. He just didn't call in," Irvin said.

The Rays traded Dukes to the Washington Nationals in December.

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