Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to question Neal ElAttrache, the team doctor for the Los Angeles Dodgers, regarding his alleged endorsement of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for UFC star Conor McGregor during the latter's recovery from an injury. This inquiry follows a report from the New York Times published on Thursday.

ElAttrache, who is also the team doctor for the Los Angeles Rams, is under scrutiny to determine if he has ever supported PED use among baseball players. Renowned as one of the country's top sports doctors, he has performed numerous Tommy John surgeries and treated a variety of sports stars.

The controversy stems from McGregor’s severe leg injury in 2021, where he fractured both bones in his lower left leg during a fight. Post-surgery, ElAttrache referred McGregor to a specialist who subsequently prescribed banned substances. ElAttrache clarified, "I purposely wasn't involved with his evaluation by the consultant nor with prescribing medication," emphasizing that the expert opinions were aimed at optimizing McGregor’s healing process.

Despite the investigation, MLB officials reported no knowledge of any allegations against ElAttrache concerning support for PED use among baseball players. The league's inquiry is a standard procedure to ensure no misconduct occurs.

MLB has enforced a stringent Joint Drug Agreement since 2006, covering both illegal drugs and PEDs, with severe penalties for violations:

• First-time offenders face an 80-game suspension.
• Second-time offenders receive a 162-game suspension.
• Third-time offenders are banned for life.

The ongoing scrutiny highlights the significant role PEDs have played in baseball's history, with notable suspensions, including Alex Rodriguez, who faced a 211-game suspension related to the Biogenesis scandal in 2013, later reduced to 162 games after appeal.