MLB to Question Doctor Over PED Use for McGregor
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- MLB investigators will question Dodgers team doctor Neal ElAttrache about alleged support for performance‑enhancing drugs used by UFC star Conor McGregor during his 2021 leg injury recovery.
- Neal ElAttrache also serves as the team doctor for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.
- Neal ElAttrache oversaw surgery for McGregor’s broken lower left leg and referred him to a specialist who prescribed banned drugs.
- Neal ElAttrache told The New York Times he was not involved in the consultant evaluation or prescribing medication, saying the expert opinions aimed to optimize healing.
- MLB says it has no knowledge of any allegations that Dr. ElAttrache supported PED use by baseball players and is investigating out of due diligence.
- MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement, in place since 2006, imposes an 80‑game suspension for first‑time offenders, a 162‑game suspension for second‑time offenders, and a lifetime ban for third‑time offenses, with year‑round testing.
- Alex Rodriguez previously received a record 211‑game suspension (later reduced to 162) for PED use.
Why it matters: The probe puts Dr. ElAttrache’s reputation and his eligibility to treat MLB athletes at risk, while signaling MLB’s commitment to enforce its Joint Drug Agreement across sports. Any finding of PED facilitation could trigger the league’s 80‑game suspension rules and raise scrutiny of cross‑sport medical practices.
