MLB probes Dodgers physician over McGregor PED allegations

Major League Baseball investigators will question Los Angeles Dodgers team doctor Neal ElAttrache regarding allegations that he supported the use of performance-enhancing drugs by UFC star Conor McGregor during his recovery from a 2021 leg injury. The New York Times reported that ElAttrache referred McGregor to a specialist who prescribed banned substances, though ElAttrache stated he was not involved in the prescription. MLB is conducting the inquiry out of due diligence to ensure no wrongdoing occurred, although the league is not currently aware of allegations that ElAttrache supported PED use by baseball players.

ElAttrache, who also serves as the team doctor for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, oversaw surgery on McGregor’s lower left leg in 2021 following a bout where the fighter broke both bones. According to the New York Times, ElAttrache subsequently sent the UFC star to a specialist who prescribed banned drugs. ElAttrache told The Times he was not involved in McGregor’s evaluation by the consultant or in prescribing medication, stating that expert opinions suggested McGregor could optimise his healing chances.

The league’s Joint Drug Agreement, which has been in place since 2006, covers illegal drugs and PEDs, with penalties including an 80-game suspension for first-time offenders, 162 games for second-time offenders, and a lifetime ban for third-time offenders. Testing is conducted year-round, and MLB players, like UFC fighters, can receive special exemptions to use certain banned substances. The league is investigating out of due diligence and to ensure no wrongdoing.

MLB is not currently aware of any allegations that ElAttrache supported PED use by baseball players. ElAttrache is one of the country’s top sports doctors and frequently performs Tommy John surgeries, treating many sports stars beyond just Dodgers or MLB players. The inquiry focuses on whether he ever supported PED use by baseball players, distinct from his work with international athletes.

PEDs have a prominent place in baseball history, with several star players serving suspensions. Most notably, Alex Rodriguez received a record 211-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis scandal in 2013, which was later reduced to 162 games on appeal. The current investigation into ElAttrache remains focused on the specific allegations regarding McGregor and does not yet implicate any current or former MLB players.