Overview
- Major League Baseball spoke with Dr. Neal ElAttrache this week in what sources described as an informational interview to learn more about reporting that he supported Conor McGregor’s request to use otherwise banned drugs.
- The New York Times reported that ElAttrache oversaw McGregor’s 2021 leg surgery, referred him to bone‑healing specialists who prescribed banned drugs, and wrote a letter backing a therapeutic‑use exemption that USADA denied.
- ElAttrache has publicly denied prescribing hormones or steroids, said he recommended specialist consultations rather than specific treatments, and told reporters he will cooperate with MLB’s questions.
- MLB investigators are focused on whether ElAttrache ever supported similar treatments for baseball players because he has treated many high‑profile players including Shohei Ohtani and others.
- Therapeutic‑use exemptions allow banned medicines for documented medical need under strict review so the league’s probe could prompt tighter scrutiny of team doctors, possible further league interviews, and reputational or regulatory consequences if broader support for banned drugs is found.