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By Howard Altman
The Tampa Tribune
Elijah Dukes, the Devil Rays’ oft-troubled outfield prospect, is back in hot water.
The 22-year-old switch hitter was arrested by Tampa Police Monday on a marijuana possession charge after his 2006 Dodge Charger was stopped at 21st Avenue and 29th St. N. for a loud music violation, according to Tampa Police.
As police approached the car, they said “a distinct odor of marijuana was emitting from the interior of the vehicle.”
A search of the car uncovered less than two grams of marijuana located in the center console, according to police.
Dukes, who lives in Brandon, and his passenger, Willie Evans, 23, of Tampa, were released on their own recognizance.
Dukes, a third-round pick in the 2002 draft out of Hillsborough High who was suspended five times for various confrontations with teammates and coaches, underwent knee surgery in November, but is expected to be ready for spring training.
This is at least the fifth time Dukes has been arrested since 2003.
All have been misdemeanors. According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office records, the most recent incident prior to Monday’s arrest came in September 2005 when Dukes was charged with operating an unregistered vehicle.
Dukes was added to the Rays’ 40-man roster last November. The career outfielder did some work at first base in the Arizona Fall League and is expected to be in contention for a bench spot this spring.
Tribune staff writer Marc Lancaster contributed to this report. Editor Howard Altman can be reached at (813) 259-7629 or haltman@tampatrib.com
He was released? Why do the cops continue to play favorites in society? This guy obviously commits a crime, and they just let him get away. I mean he’s running around wrecking havoc with a baseball bat, and they just let him go. Our society is so against the average man, and this is just another example of it.
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Posted by Dr. Eddison Richardson, Palm Harbor on 01/16 at 02:50 PM
The marijuana laws are joke. Mr. Dukes did no wrong. When will these laws be appealed? We could earn tax monies that could be put to good uses in many social programs. Why can’t the US be more like some of our european friends?