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Nationals Hope to Harness Dukes' Anger

Talented player has threatened his family, attacked teammates

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted May 18, 2008 6:43 AM CDT

(Newser) – Elijah Dukes hit a home run against the New York Yankees in his first major league at-bat. A few weeks later, the then-Tampa Bay Devil Ray threatened to kill his estranged wife and their two young children. That about sums up how Dukes' career has gone, reports ESPN. “Why is he so angry? That's the million-dollar question. You answer that, you start to fix Elijah Dukes," said former teammate Ryan Knox.

Knox is a former minor-league teammate of Dukes, who was almost strangled to death by the 22-year-old player. Dukes, who was traded the Washington Nationals in December, has been arrested seven times in his native Florida since he was 13. He has been suspended at least once in all five of his professional seasons. His talent, however, has also been compared to Bo Jackson.

Washington Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes fields a ball on the first full squad workout at baseball spring training in Viera, Fla., Friday, Feb. 22, 2008.
Washington Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes fields a ball on the first full squad workout at baseball spring training in Viera, Fla., Friday, Feb. 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes has a laugh with teammates while heading out to the field before the third inning of their spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Viera, Fla.
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes has a laugh with teammates while heading out to the field before the third inning of their spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Viera, Fla.   (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes (34) walks back to the dugout after striking out to end the eighth inning in a baseball game against the Florida Marlins Friday, May 9, 2008, in Washington.
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes (34) walks back to the dugout after striking out to end the eighth inning in a baseball game against the Florida Marlins Friday, May 9, 2008, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes, center, is congratulated by teammate Matt Whitney, left, after hitting a solo home run.
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes, center, is congratulated by teammate Matt Whitney, left, after hitting a solo home run.   (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes rounds first base after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of their spring training baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes rounds first base after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of their spring training baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals.   (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
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