MLB Clears Dodgers Team Physician in Doping Inquiry

Major League Baseball has announced that Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is free from any wrongdoing. This follows an investigation into allegations that he supported Conor McGregor’s request to use performance-enhancing drugs after sustaining a leg injury.

In a statement, MLB’s commissioner’s office confirmed that Dr. ElAttrache was thoroughly questioned last week. According to the findings, there are no concerns about his treatment of MLB players or his compliance with the sport’s antidoping program.

“We consider this matter closed,” the commissioner’s office said.

Dr. ElAttrache, who also serves as the lead physician for the Los Angeles Rams, holds a significant reputation in sports medicine. Over the last decade, he has operated on, treated, or examined 18 baseball players who have received the Cy Young or Most Valuable Player Awards, including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani.

The decision to clear Dr. ElAttrache comes shortly after reports that he had endorsed McGregor’s request for an exemption to use banned drugs in 2021. These drugs were intended for treatment following a severe fracture, but they typically incur penalties under antidoping regulations.

Antidoping officials within the Ultimate Fighting Championship suspected that McGregor, supported by Dr. ElAttrache, was attempting to exploit a loophole. Interviews with sports doctors, trauma surgeons, antidoping experts, and officials revealed surprise at Dr. ElAttrache’s support for the exemption, which antidoping officials would likely challenge.

Following the story, MLB had signaled its intention to investigate to ensure that Dr. ElAttrache had not advocated for banned drug use among baseball players.

“M.L.B. took our responsibility to conduct due diligence in this matter seriously,” the commissioner’s office stated.

The National Football League has not commented on whether it will pursue an investigation regarding Dr. ElAttrache.

Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The Times, focuses on high-profile federal investigations.