Major League Baseball Questions Prominent Sports Doctor Over Conor McGregor's Performance-Enhancing Drug Use

Major League Baseball announced it will question Dr. Neal ElAttrache regarding his involvement in Conor McGregor's use of banned performance-enhancing substances. ElAttrache serves as team physician for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. Investigators aim to clarify whether the prominent orthopedic surgeon has supported similar PED use by baseball players.

The McGregor Injury and Recovery

McGregor sustained fractures to both bones in his lower left leg during a UFC competition in 2021. Following surgery overseen by ElAttrache, the fighter was referred to a specialist who prescribed banned substances to support his rehabilitation. According to reporting by the New York Times, ElAttrache stated he was not directly involved in the specialist's evaluation or medication decisions, though he emphasized that expert medical opinions supported accelerating McGregor's fracture healing.

MLB's Investigation and Scope

The league has launched an inquiry focused on whether ElAttrache's involvement with McGregor represents a broader pattern of facilitating prohibited drug use. Currently, MLB has no documented allegations that ElAttrache supported PED use among baseball players. The investigation is being conducted as a precautionary measure to ensure compliance with league regulations.

Under the Joint Drug Agreement, established in 2006, MLB enforces strict penalties for PED violations. First-time offenders face an 80-game suspension, second-time offenders receive a 162-game suspension, and third-time offenders are banned permanently. Testing occurs year-round, extending beyond the regular season. However, players may obtain special exemptions allowing use of otherwise banned substances when medically justified.

Medical Oversight and Professional Standards

ElAttrache's client list spans multiple professional sports, and he frequently performs Tommy John surgeries for athletes across various disciplines. His dual role with the Dodgers and Rams places him under MLB scrutiny, though the NFL has not yet responded regarding any parallel inquiry into his conduct with football players. The situation underscores the complex relationship between medical necessity and competitive integrity in professional sports.