Dukes back in lineup
Elijah Dukes is in the Devil Rays lineup for Friday's game, leading off and playing centerfield. It will be Dukes' first game action since Wednesday's report of allegations by his wife that he threatened to kill her and their kids. He was on the bench for that last two games at Tropicana Field.
Follow the Rays through spring training and the season with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Over the past few years I have become more interested in Baseball after losing all interest during the big strike years back. Players like Dukes are discouraging me from the sport once again.
Posted by: Pete | May 25, 2007 at 05:32 PM
He hasnt been charged with anything. Let everything unfold before you decide if these incidents really did occur.
Posted by: commonSense | May 25, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Why are they allowing this idiot to play? Oh, all about money, isnt it?
Posted by: Belina | May 25, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Why shouldnt he play? At this point, he hasnt been charged with a crime.
Posted by: commonSense | May 25, 2007 at 06:23 PM
Which lineup would that be? "Number one, Step forward Please." If you are sick of the press coverage that empowers this behavior please step up and help end this. As sick as it is this attention the press chases, only encourages more of the same. Our fan responsibility is to enforce Sports owners to clean this up. If you build it, They will come. Good or bad
Posted by: Greg | May 25, 2007 at 06:31 PM
Dukes is already convicted in the public's eyes..just as the Duke lacrosse players were. Some are played like a fiddle by the media. There are 2 sides to ever story, and the fact she made these statements to the Times during a messy divorce speaks volumes.
Posted by: commonSense | May 25, 2007 at 06:41 PM
I'm waiting for the Chicago fans to boo the heck out of him. Too bad the Devil Rays aren't playing in NY or Boston. They would tear him apart. Honestly I see the guy blowing up at fans somewhere.
Posted by: John | May 25, 2007 at 06:55 PM
I am willing to accept a cellar team and hope for better days. I think Rays fans at least deserve a team that has class and a manager that expects it. Very disappointing Joe.
Posted by: Brian | May 26, 2007 at 12:35 AM