The Dukes Problem

The St. Petersberg Times reported on Wednesday that the wife of Elijah Dukes has filed for a restraining order against the Rays rookie outfielder. Dukes allegedly burst into the classroom of NiShea Gilbert, a middle school teacher, in April. Gilbert has told Florida officials that Dukes threatened to kill her and sent her a photo of a handgun to her cell phone, in addition to leaving a voice mail on her phone saying "You dead, dawg. I ain't even [expletive]. Your kids, too."

Dukes is not a stranger to trouble…or kids for that matter; he has fathered five kids in three years by four different women. Additionally, a judge has twice ordered him to stay away from, for a year, two separate women- the plaintiff, NiShea Gilbert, and another women, Carla Bryant.

Considering Elijah’s troubled, dubious past, these allegations are not shocking. What is shocking, however, is the assertion that, if the allegations are true, Dukes should not be dismissed from the team. It does not matter how well he can play baseball, a man who threatens death upon his wife and kids, as well as escalating tensions by confronting his wife at school, does not deserve to be employed.

Dukes’ has squandered his chance to utilize his ample talent and become a perennial All-Star. The 22 year-old may be playing his All-Star games in the state penitentiary league.

Dukes went 2-4 against Seattle in Tuesday’s game. Hopefully, it will be his last.