MLB closes inquiry into Dodgers doctor ElAttrache over McGregor PED link

Major League Baseball has formally closed its investigation into Los Angeles Dodgers team doctor Neal ElAttrache, determining that he did not breach the league’s Joint Drug Program. The inquiry was initiated following reports that ElAttrache oversaw the care of UFC fighter Conor McGregor after the athlete suffered leg fractures, specifically referring him to a specialist who prescribed performance-enhancing drugs.

In a statement obtained via The Athletic, MLB confirmed that league investigators interviewed Dr ElAttrache last week and reviewed relevant medical records. The league stated it had no concerns regarding the doctor’s treatment of MLB players or his adherence to the Joint Drug Program, citing his thorough cooperation and a long history of support for the programme.

The league noted that no Therapeutic Use Exemption requests of this nature had been submitted by Dr ElAttrache or any other party. MLB emphasised that its primary focus was to determine whether the physician had ever supported performance-enhancing drug use by baseball players, a standard the league found was not met.

Dr ElAttrache is identified as one of the country’s leading sports physicians, frequently performing Tommy John surgeries. Beyond his role with the Dodgers, he serves as the team doctor for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and has treated numerous high-profile athletes outside of Major League Baseball.

The MLB Joint Drug Agreement, which has been in effect since 2006, covers illegal drugs in addition to performance-enhancing substances. Penalties for violations are severe, with first-time offenders facing an 80-game suspension, second-time offenders a 162-game suspension, and third-time offenders a lifetime ban. Testing is conducted year-round.

The league’s history with performance-enhancing drugs includes high-profile cases such as that of Alex Rodriguez, who received a record 211-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis scandal in August 2013, later reduced to 162 games on appeal. However, MLB maintains that the matter concerning Dr ElAttrache is now closed.