Russell admits being 'stressed' and 'depressed' by JADCO charges

Andre Russell, the West Indies all-rounder, admitted that the charges laid against him by the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO), and the possibility of a two-year ban hanging on his head have been 'stressing' and 'depressing'. It was the first time the Jamaica Tallawahs player opened up about his feelings about the issue since the charges were pressed against him in March 2016.

Earlier in the year, JADCO had claimed that Russell had violated the 'anti-doping whereabouts' clause thrice in a 12-month period, which as per the doping laws equates to a failed drug test. However, on Saturday, Russell's lawyer argued that his client was sent a notice only twice by JADCO for failing to appear for a dope test.

"It's not easy, honestly, it's tough," Russell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Monday (July 25). "When I cross the rope, I definitely block it off my head but then when you go back to your room and you know you have to face reality and know that something is going on like that, it's kind of stressing and depressing.

"But I have an amazing bunch of guys around me. So they keep me occupied, they keep me laughing. I just think that is a very good thing to do while going through something like that. Everything is in place. My lawyers are doing whatever they have to do so I don't really want to have to talk about it that much," he added.

Russell refused to comment on the hearing of the independent panel that was held on Saturday. Russell's team was asked to present their files by September 7, while JADCO had to do so by August 10, with a hearing set to take place on September 19 and 20. If he is held guilty of the charges, he will face a two-year ban.