MLB to Question Dodgers’ Medical Executive on PED Approval for McGregor

Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to investigate the Dodgers’ executive director of medical services following his reported endorsement of performance-enhancing drugs as treatment for UFC athlete Conor McGregor, who recently endured a serious leg injury.

On Thursday, Dr. Neil El-Atrache, who holds the position for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams, confirmed that he had previously sanctioned McGregor’s therapeutic use of these drugs. According to a source close to the league, MLB intends to question El-Atrache, although a formal investigation has not yet commenced.

El-Atrache, a well-known sports surgeon with a history of treating top-level athletes and celebrities, performed surgery on McGregor’s fractured leg during a match in 2021. He reportedly wrote a letter supporting a request for a special exemption that would permit the use of performance-enhancing substances without penalty.

In an interview, El-Atrache indicated that he had referred McGregor to a specialist for bone healing concerns following the surgery. He clarified, “I wasn’t prescribing hormone or steroid treatment.” He acknowledged that McGregor had sought a “therapeutic exemption” for using banned substances, after advice from a consultant who believed it could aid in McGregor’s recovery.

El-Atrache has denied any wrongdoing and expressed his willingness to cooperate with MLB’s inquiries. He emphasized that his role with the Dodgers may not be influential in this matter. He cautioned against conflating “banned” substances with illegal drugs, asserting that his recommendations were rooted in legitimate medical research.

“It seems there’s a misunderstanding that ‘prohibited substances’ are the same as ‘illegal drugs’ or are devoid of valid therapeutic applications,” El-Atrache stated. “The list includes numerous ‘prohibited drugs’ that are essential for treating various medical conditions, which is why therapeutic use exemption requests are in place.”