MLB Questions Neal ElAttrache Over Conor McGregor PED Allegations

Major League Baseball investigators questioned team physician Neal ElAttrache on Friday following reports that the surgeon supported the therapeutic use of performance-enhancing drugs for UFC fighter Conor McGregor. ElAttrache, who serves the Dodgers and Rams, told the Los Angeles Times his medical record is “completely clean.”

Why did MLB question Neal ElAttrache?

The inquiry followed a New York Times report stating ElAttrache supported the use of performance-enhancing drugs for Conor McGregor. A person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to comment publicly, said MLB considered the interview informational rather than a formal investigation.

ElAttrache told the New York Times he did not prescribe steroids to McGregor but referred him to a specialist who did. He also wrote a letter supporting McGregor’s request for a therapeutic use exemption from UFC drug policies.

“I recommended the consultations but not the course of treatment,” ElAttrache told the paper via text. He stated he advised McGregor to verify prescriptions with UFC drug testers.

Did You Know? ElAttrache was a competitive boxer at Notre Dame and won the 185-pound division of the Bengal Bouts intramural tournament in 1978.

Which high-profile athletes have ElAttrache treated?

ElAttrache operates primarily out of the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. His patient list includes 18 of 29 players who won MVP or Cy Young awards over the last 10 years.

All four 2024 MLB MVP and Cy Young winners—Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Chris Sale, and Tarik Skubal—were his patients. He has also performed surgeries on Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Walker Buehler, Cooper Kupp, and Cam Akers.

Other prominent patients include former Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Burrow.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the scrutiny of ElAttrache is significant because of his central role in the health of the league’s most valuable assets. Any perceived overlap between his private consultations and banned substance referrals could create complex regulatory challenges for the teams that employ him.

What is the status of Conor McGregor’s drug testing?

McGregor underwent surgery by ElAttrache in July 2021 to repair a broken tibia and fibula. After USADA denied his therapeutic use exemption, McGregor withdrew from the UFC anti-doping program.

He re-entered the testing pool on Oct. 8, 2023. However, the UFC suspended him in October 2025 for 18 months after he missed three drug tests. That suspension expired in June.

McGregor is scheduled to return to the octagon on July 11 in a welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

What may happen next in this case?

MLB officials may provide further comments on the informational interview as they see fit. ElAttrache has indicated he is comfortable with the process to assure the public he followed all medical regulations.

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The NFL, Rams, and Dodgers have declined to comment, but they could potentially issue statements if the MLB inquiry leads to formal findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Neal ElAttrache prescribe steroids to Conor McGregor?
No. ElAttrache told the New York Times that while he did not prescribe steroids, he referred McGregor to a specialist who did.

Who are some of the MLB stars treated by ElAttrache?
His patients include Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Chris Sale, Tarik Skubal, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Walker Buehler.

Why was Conor McGregor suspended in 2025?
The UFC suspended him for 18 months because he missed three drug tests, which constituted an anti-doping violation under the UFC Whereabouts Policy.

How should professional sports leagues balance an athlete’s medical recovery needs with strict anti-doping regulations?