Focus, Please! The Adderall Appeal
Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of FTX, recently reached out to a judge with a somewhat surprising request. In a letter addressed to New York District Judge Lewis Kaplan, his legal team pleaded for permission to use a “12-hour extended-release 20mg dose of Adderall.” According to them, the absence of his prescribed stimulant is making it tough for Bankman-Fried to keep his focus during the ongoing criminal trial.
Can’t Concentrate Without It
The seriousness of the situation isn’t lost on his lawyers. They emphasized that the lack of Adderall means that Bankman-Fried has been unable to concentrate to his usual standards. As the trial moves into critical stages, including the defense case and the decision on whether he will take the stand, his legal representatives are understandably worried about his ability to participate fully without the medication.
One Day Off? Not Without a Plan!
Imagine trying to navigate a crucial legal battle while battling concentration issues. To address this, Bankman-Fried’s lawyers have asked the court to pause the trial for one day (October 17, just to be precise) if he can’t take his medication or if it doesn’t kick in effectively. They want to ensure a suitable solution is in place as the trial unfolds.
Attempts Made, Silence Received
Prior to this, they expressed frustration over their attempts to resolve this matter with the Bureau of Prisons. Five requests made via emails and phone calls—or “cries into the void” as one might humorously call it—went unanswered between October 5 and 12. Meanwhile, the days roll on, making this appeal timely and crucial.
History of Treatment
Bankman-Fried has been under psychiatric care for several years, as per the backdrop of his legal predicament. His mental health issues are no secret; he has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and ADHD, leading to the initial court ruling back in August that allowed access to his medications. Perhaps the real question is whether this medication dilemma is yet another twist in an already convoluted narrative.
