Major League Baseball’s investigators have questioned Los Angeles Dodgers team doctor Neal ElAttrache after it was unveiled Thursday that he supported the use of performance-enhancing drugs by UFC star Conor McGregor as he recovered from an injury, reports The Athletic. ElAttrache is also the team doctor for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.
Following the meeting with investigators, ElAttrache released the following statement:
“I have spoken with MLB and I am very comfortable with the process that the league and I will complete to assure the public that I have followed every rule and regulation in my medical treatment of athletes without exception. My record is completely clean including in this case. I will leave it to MLB officials to provide any further comment as they see fit.”
League investigators focused on whether ElAttrache, who is one of the country’s top sports doctors, ever supported PED use by baseball players. He has treated many sports stars, not just Dodgers players or MLB players, and frequently performs Tommy John surgeries. Here’s more from the New York Times:
McGregor broke both bones in his lower left leg during a U.F.C. bout in 2021. The New York Times unveiled Thursday that after Dr. ElAttrache oversaw surgery to repair the damage, he sent McGregor to a specialist who prescribed banned drugs.
“I purposely wasn’t involved with his evaluation by the consultant nor with prescribing medication,” Dr. ElAttrache told The Times. He mentioned the “expert opinions” McGregor received showed “he could optimize his chance of solid union and healing of his fractures.”
According to the New York Times, MLB is not aware of any allegations that ElAttrache supported PED use by baseball players. The league is investigating out of due diligence and to ensure no wrongdoing. MLB players, like UFC fighters, can receive a special exemption to use certain banned substances.
MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement has been in place since 2006. It covers illegal drugs in addition to PEDs, and the penalties have been stiffened over the years. Currently, first-time offenders receive an 80-game suspension. Second-time offenders receive a 162-game suspension, and third-time offenders are banned for life. Testing is conducted year-round, not just during the season.
PEDs have a prominent place in baseball history. Several star players have served PED suspensions, most notably Alex Rodriguez, who was given a record 211-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis scandal in August 2013. That was reduced to 162 games after an appeal.
