Ex-Ray Elijah Dukes gets probation cut short

TAMPA -- To get his misdemeanor probation cut short by five months, Ex-Tampa Bay Ray player Elijah Dukes spent 25 hours in the past week cleaning out cages and mopping at Lowry Park Zoo, his attorney said today.

Attorney Grady Irvin said his client also has passed six months worth of drug tests for the Washington Nationals, where he was traded last year.

Hillsborough County Judge John Conrad sentenced Dukes to one year of probation last fall after the ballplayer pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. Hearing today that Dukes had satisfied all the conditions, the judge agreed to terminate Dukes' supervision early.

Dukes kept his head down throughout the hearing, looking up and smiling only after the judge granted his request. He removed large diamond stud earrings and tucked his silver chain under his T-shirt before standing before the judge.

"You are in a wonderful position to be such a positive influence on so many young people that these are the kinds of things that prevent you from being that example," Conrad said. "With great gifts I think you have great responsibilities as well.

"I'm hoping this experience, albeit for six months of your life, is one of those that will at least set a positive turn for your future."

-- Colleen Jenkins, Times staff writer