FTX Founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, Struggles To Concentrate During Trial, Lawyers Seek ADHD Medication Approval

By: Eva Baxter

Sam Bankman-Fried, the brains behind the crypto exchange platform FTX, has been caught in the eye of a legal storm. Following his struggle to maintain focus during his ongoing criminal trial, his lawyers have urged the U.S. judge presiding over the case to consider allowing Bankman-Fried to consume a specially prescribed 12-hour extended-release 20mg dose of Adderall. The lawyers argued that the absence of this prescribed stimulant compromise Bankman-Fried's ability to concentrate optimally during trial hours, hampering his efforts to effectively present his defence.

With the proposed medication, there are uncertainties about the effectiveness of the extended-release dosage. However, Bankman Fried's legal team has requested that the court adjourn for a day if the dose is ineffective or if Bankman Fried is denied access to the medication, to explore possible alternatives for the rest of the trial. They have also requested the court's permission to provide Bankman-Fried with his prescribed dose of Adderall during the proceedings.

In addition to these concerns, it is anticipated that FTX customers will provide evidence in court, arguing that the firm misled them and used their crypto assets for personal gain. The defense team is seeking to have more freedom in questioning these witnesses to validate or refute these claims. Amid these escalating courtroom dramas, the former FTX CEO continues to strive to maintain focus during the trial, despite the absence of his medication.