Full Breakdown
MLB Questions Dodgers Doctor Over Therapeutic PED Support for Conor McGregor
6/12/2026, 4:14:46 AM
Core Event: MLB Initiates Inquiry into Dr. Neal ElAttrache
Major League Baseball announced investigators will question Dr. Neal ElAttrache, director of medical services for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams, after a New York Times report linked him to a therapeutic-use exemption (TUE) request that would have allowed UFC champion Conor McGregor to take banned substances while recovering from a 2021 leg fracture. MLB said the questioning is not a formal investigation and ElAttrache’s Dodgers duties are not expected to change.
Background & Context: Therapeutic Use Exemptions and McGregor’s Injury
In July 2021, McGregor broke his tibia and fibula in his UFC 264 bout with Dustin Poirier. Dr. ElAttrache performed the surgery and later wrote a letter supporting McGregor’s TUE application, arguing that certain “banned drugs” have legitimate medical uses for bone healing. The application was never approved; McGregor withdrew from the UFC’s anti-doping program and left USADA testing.
Timeline of Key Developments
- July 2021: McGregor’s leg fracture at UFC 264.
- Oct 2022–Oct 2023: McGregor outside USADA testing.
- June 11 2026: NYT report; MLB announces questioning.
- June 2026: MLB says no known PED allegations for baseball players.
- July 11 2026: McGregor vs. Max Holloway at UFC 329.
Official Statements & Responses
- MLB: Investigators will assess whether ElAttrache ever endorsed PED use by baseball players; the Joint Drug Agreement imposes an 80-game first-offense suspension, 162-game second, and lifetime ban for a third.
- Dodgers: No impact; Rams no comment.
- Dr. ElAttrache: Denied wrongdoing, saying, “I look forward to answering whatever questions they may have,” and noting that “many ‘banned drugs’ are necessary to medically treat various conditions,” supporting a TUE.
Criticism & Opposition
Anti-doping expert David Gerrard said, “I could not recall ever seeing a case … to help heal a broken bone.” Sources claim McGregor used the TUE to “exploit a loophole,” and USADA officials said the request was a strategy to bypass testing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Times notes McGregor’s TUE was never granted, yet sources allege he “quietly withdrew” from testing and used banned substances. MLB has no evidence of PED use by its players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are acting as if ‘banned drugs’ are somehow ‘illegal drugs’ or that they have no legitimate therapeutic use and only have performance enhancement use,” — Dr. ElAttrache
- “There are many ‘banned drugs’ on the list which are necessary to medically treat various conditions which occur in people.” — Dr. ElAttrache
- “He stated, “I could not recall ever seeing a case or agreeing to any performance-enhancing drug to help heal a broken bone.” — David Gerrard, WADA consultant
- “He’s never denied it, he was on camera, juiced to the gills, flexing.” — @Joe, fan
What’s Next
MLB will issue a written report; McGregor’s July 11 UFC 329 bout will test public reaction.
