Dukes told to cough up alimony

By Abbie VanSickle, Times Staff Writer
Published July 16, 2007

	NiShea Gilbert reacts to a statement by her estranged husband, Elijah Dukes, as he's questioned by her attorney during today's hearing.
[Carrie Pratt | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT Complete coverage: Elijah Dukes' troubles [Carrie Pratt | Times] NiShea Gilbert Dukes accused Elijah Dukes, right, of using marijuana every day during their marriage and asked that he be tested for anabolic steroids as part of a question over custody of the children.

TAMPA --- After a contentious court hearing, a judge ordered Tampa Bay Devil Rays player Elijah Dukes to pay his estranged wife more than $3,300 a month in temporary alimony as their divorce goes forward.

Also at the hearing Monday, Dukes, who was taken off the Rays roster last month, acknowledged under oath that he had smoked marijuana. His wife, NiShea Gilbert Dukes, had accused him of using marijuana every day during their marriage and asked that he be tested for anabolic steroids and testosterone supplements as part of a question over custody of the children.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Kevin Carey ordered Dukes to pay his wife $3,303 a month in temporary alimony. Dukes also said he would take a paternity test regarding his youngest child, though he did not dispute he is the father.

He said in court that he had just returned from a one-week health treatment in Houston to address his psychological and drug issues. NiShea Dukes asked the court for counseling for her son, whom she said had been affected by the controversy over Dukes and was "acting out."

Dukes has been under scrutiny since his wife accused him of threatening to kill her and her children.

Monday's hearing was contentious.

The judge had said he thought the hearing would take an hour. It took two hours, with the judge constantly telling them to hurry things up as attorneys on both sides argued back and forth. Dukes kept speaking up, drawing admonitions from the judge not to speak unless he was being asked a question.

[Last modified July 16, 2007, 14:27:54]