His excuse was he’s “bipolar.” That’s a psychological diagnosis and can be treated. If it’s so severe that this student couldn’t get his work done, then by definition he can’t pass the course. Bending the rules to accommodate his situation simply lowers the bar.
You certainly make a very good point there. I do not fault Adams for refusing extra credit. I fault him - greatly - for the sarcastic and humiliating way that he did it.
Instructor noted that it wasn’t “bending the rules to accommodate”, it was that the kid is [ab]using the diagnosis to his advantage instead of learning the material.