The commissioner’s office has stated it holds no concerns about Dr. Neal ElAttrache after investigating his endorsement of performance-enhancing drugs for a U.F.C. athlete.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache with Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Source: The Yomiuri Shimbun, via Associated Press
On June 23, 2026, Major League Baseball announced that it had exonerated Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ team physician, from any misconduct related to his support of performance-enhancing drugs for U.F.C. star Conor McGregor, who needed them to recover from a severe leg injury.
In a written announcement, MLB’s commissioner’s office shared that investigators interviewed Dr. ElAttrache last week. They reported that he had provided comprehensive responses. Based on these discussions and a review of records, MLB stated, “we do not have any concerns regarding Dr. ElAttrache’s treatment of M.L.B. players, or his adherence to the sport’s antidoping program.” The statement concluded, “We consider this matter closed.” Dr. ElAttrache did not respond to a request for comment.
Beyond his position with the Dodgers, who have been World Series champions in the last two years, Dr. ElAttrache also leads medical efforts for the Los Angeles Rams. His reputation as one of sports’ most esteemed physicians is well-established. Over the past decade, he has worked with 18 of the 29 baseball players awarded the Cy Young or Most Valuable Player titles, including stars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani.
The decision to clear Dr. ElAttrache follows a report by The New York Times detailing that during a 2021 match, McGregor sought an exemption for using banned drugs to treat a broken leg, with Dr. ElAttrache’s support. Antidoping officials from the U.F.C. worried McGregor, supported by the doctor, was exploiting a loophole for banned substance use.
“M.L.B. took our responsibility to conduct due diligence in this matter seriously,” stated the commissioner’s office.
The National Football League has not responded to inquiries on whether they will investigate Dr. ElAttrache.