New Bail Restrictions Looming

In an eyebrow-raising turn of events, former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried might find his gaming evenings swiped right off the calendar. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams has submitted a request that could tighten the leash on Bankman-Fried’s electronic escapades, suggesting he might indeed have to trade in his gaming rig for a book or two, if the court agrees.

What’s on the Table?

The proposed changes can be summed up as a mini Game of Thrones episode: intense, with a shocking twist. Bankman-Fried’s proposed restrictions include:

• No use of cellphones, tablets, or computers—well, that’s just harsh!
• Allowed uses? Just the essentials: legal communications and reviewing evidence, kind of like going to a seminar on ‘How to Be Bored’.
• He’ll be limited to a single monitored device—think of it as a ‘one computer to rule them all’ scenario.

Fallen Hero or Just a Gamer?

Once a beacon of crypto genius, Bankman-Fried’s love for gaming seems to have become a sticking point in the legal labyrinth he now navigates. The oh-so-charming League of Legends sessions during fundraising rounds may not be his biggest problem now—but it did paint a picture of someone who knows how to unwind. During an interview with the New York Times, he quipped that gaming helps him clear his mind. Can we blame him? Who doesn’t need to slay a few virtual dragons every now and then?

What Does Justice Look Like?

The general mood among the crypto community when hearing about Bankman-Fried’s earlier bail conditions, which allowed him free rein at his parents’ swanky digs, was akin to a collective eye roll. Many voiced their dissatisfaction, questioning the fairness of allowing him to live like a king while awaiting trial.

SBF will be spending Christmas at home playing video games rather than locked up in a cell. What kind of justice is that?

A History of Dodging the Rules

Bankman-Fried’s behavior has raised eyebrows—not just about his gaming preferences but also his penchant for skirting restrictions. Last month, he was found to have contacted potential witnesses via encrypted messaging apps, which left the Justice Department with enough alarm bells ringing to warrant an absolute ban on such platforms. And let’s not forget his VPN escapades just to catch a sports game. Talk about trying to squeeze a game of basketball in between court dates!

Possible Consequences

If the court approves these tighter restrictions, Bankman-Fried may find that it’s about to get a lot quieter in his evenings. The man who once juggled finance like a pro and clicked through online games could soon be sitting with his thoughts, pondering the choices that led him here—probably without a game controller in sight.