Judge Bends Rules for Former Ag Commissioner

A federal judge is bending the rules, and allowing Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, to travel outside the state line to watch a ball game in Florida. Farmer pleaded guilty earlier this year to government corruption charges.

The former University of Kentucky basketball star-turned-politician faces roughly two years in federal prison for crimes committed while serving as the state's agriculture commissioner.

Despite Farmer's criminal status, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert E. Wier has opened the door for Farmer to travel into Florida for five days so he can watch his son play basketball.

Farmer was a shooting guard for the Wildcats from 1988 to 1992, a team known as ``The Unforgettables.'' His jersey hangs as a monument in the rafters of Rupp Arena.

Farmer is scheduled to be in the ocean-bordered state from Dec. 26 until Dec. 31. His sentencing is set for sometime in January.