Tony Farmer, one of the top high school basketball players in Ohio, collapsed in court on Tuesday while receiving his three-year prison sentence for beating his ex-girlfriend.
Farmer plead guilty in July to kidnapping, robbery, assault, and intimidation of his ex-girlfriend in an incident that took place last April. Farmer listened to the judge sentence him to three years in prison for kidnapping and two years for felonious assault, and thought he was going to jail for five years. Farmer was so shocked he collapsed and had to be helped up by a sheriff. The judge then explained that the sentences would be served concurrently.
Farmer’s lawyer was expecting his client to receive probation after pleading guilty. The sentence will be reviewed after 180 days.
Two teachers spoke at the hearing on Farmer’s behalf. Even his ex-girlfriend said she didn’t want him to go to prison, but that hardly mattered to the judge. After watching video of Farmer abusing his ex-girlfriend, it’s easy to see why.
Parts of the incident were captured on tape by the camera system at the victim’s apartment complex. You can watch it below via Action News 19:
According to Rivals, the 6’7″ 220-pound forward was offered scholarships by Illinois, DePaul, Penn State, and Xavier. He was also recruited by Michigan and Michigan State. Farmer was entering his senior season at Garfield Heights High School in Cleveland, but he’ll now be headed to prison.
