At 6’7 220lbs, Tony Farmer casts a physically imposing shadow on the basketball court. Remove him from the land of giants, and in comparison to the average American, physically imposing can jump to physically intimidating. On April 23rd 2012, Farmer chose to ratchet up his physicality another notch in an all out assault of his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Lane. The morning (approx 7:00AM) of the incident Ms. Lane entered her apartment complex en route to her unit. What happens next, as the video shows an enraged Farmer charging into view of cameras, is disturbing not only because of the unprovoked brutality, but also the absolute terror which overcomes Ms. Lane. This was not a toe-to-toe exchange in which confronting parties jaw each other into a frenzy of violence. This (footage below) was a physical and emotional ambush of an all but defenseless victim, on the part of an all but indefensible assailant.
Arrested April 23rd, Tony Farmer went on to confirm this much more than just an isolated indiscretion, or completely out of character. In violation of a court mandated “no contact” order, Farmer chose to threaten and intimidate Lane via text and voice mail in an apparent attempt to dissuade her from pressing charges. Per Judge Pamela Barker (presided over sentencing) “He (Farmer) certainly threatened her (Lane) or said that he should have done something more to her. And so that in addition to what I saw on the tape was very telling to me, and it was a violation of the ‘no contact’ order that was put in place to protect her.” Not content with the damage already dished out or determined to make amends, Farmer acted to further terrorize Lane and avoid any accountability.
Whether true to character or a shockingly abrupt escape from reason and conscience, caught on 3-4 minutes of video was Tony Farmer, predator. He stalked his physically inferior prey, cornered, attacked, and went back for more. For that few minutes, his rage fed on Lane’s fear. His aggression devoured her physical and emotional security. Almost as telling as is the footage of Farmer’s cowardice in attacking a downed female, was the cowardice displayed as Judge Barker outlined Farmer’s sentence. Maniacal in assault of his defenseless female victim, Farmer buckled under the ruling of a female Judge. The 6’7 Farmer collapsed to his knees and proceeded to sit on the floor of the court as would a 5 year-old in the midst of a tantrum. I hold no sympathy for Tony Farmer nor any apparent loss he may have suffered. He acted as a felon and punished as such.
Tony Farmer will resurface from prison, and will have a (what should be) a full life to find his way. Should that include a career in basketball, so be it. Should that opportunity prove void, he need only consider 3 minutes of video to answer any questions as to why.
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