"Players are getting zapped off adderall": Reilly Opelka defends Jenson Brooksby and continues drug ban argument

Reilly Opelka has defended Jenson Brooksby while continuing his argument for the drug adderall to be banned.

Former World No. 33 Brooksby was given an 18-month suspension for "whereabouts failures" after he missed three consecutive drugs tests. While the 22-year-old claims responsibility for two of the tests, he has maintained his innocence on one of them, claiming there was a misunderstanding at the hotel he was staying at.

Following the announcement of his suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Brooksby shared his disappointment in a post on Instagram.

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Opelka accuses sport of hypocrisy

"l’m very disappointed to learn that I have been suspended for 18 months, for having 3 missed tests. I have never taken a banned substance in my life, and I was open and honest with the ITIA throughout my case.

"I understand that it is my responsibility and will learn and grow. I accepted that 2 of my missed tests were my fault, but I continue to maintain that my June 4, 2022 missed test should be set aside," he wrote.

Opelka responded to the statement, suggesting that Brooskby's suspension was ridiculous when players were able to take adderall.

"Players are getting zapped off addy's but you enter the wrong hotel address and you get suspended for 18 months.. BS," the American player wrote.

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Adderall is used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a recent Q&A, Opelka was asked if there were any changes he would like to see on the ATP Tour, to which he said he would like to see the drug banned. 

"Ban Adderall," he said, "My comment applies to professional tennis in particular. But some players have a hard time building strength... should they be allowed to take steroids?"