MLB Clears Dodgers Doctor of Wrongdoing in Drug Exemption Case

Major League Baseball has cleared Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, of any misconduct related to supporting an exemption for performance-enhancing drugs in the case of U.F.C. fighter Conor McGregor. This announcement follows a thorough investigation conducted by the MLB commissioner’s office.

The commissioner’s office released a written statement indicating that Dr. ElAttrache was questioned last week. It stated, “He answered our questions thoroughly.” After reviewing the interview and records, the office concluded that there are no concerns about Dr. ElAttrache’s treatment of MLB players or his adherence to the sport’s antidoping program. The office declared the matter closed.

Dr. ElAttrache did not immediately comment on the situation. Apart from his role with the Dodgers, who secured victories in the last two World Series, Dr. ElAttrache is a prominent figure in sports medicine, also serving as the top doctor for the Los Angeles Rams. His reputation is heightened by his involvement with notable players; out of the 29 baseball players awarded the Cy Young or MVP Awards in the last decade, 18 have been treated or examined by him, including stars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani.

The rapid decision to absolve Dr. ElAttrache comes after The New York Times reported that when McGregor suffered a severe leg injury in 2021, Dr. ElAttrache wrote a letter supporting a special exemption for McGregor. This exemption would have allowed him to use banned drugs without penalty. The U.F.C.’s antidoping officials suggested that the exemption was an attempt to exploit a loophole with Dr. ElAttrache’s support.

Sports professionals, including doctors, antidoping experts, sports officials, and trauma surgeons interviewed by The New York Times, expressed surprise at Dr. ElAttrache’s endorsement, noting a similar exemption had never before been granted.

In response, MLB committed to investigating Dr. ElAttrache’s actions. The commissioner’s office stated, “M.L.B. took our responsibility to conduct due diligence in this matter seriously.” Meanwhile, the National Football League has not commented on whether it plans to investigate Dr. ElAttrache.

Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The Times, specializes in high-profile federal investigations.