‘Like at McDonald’s’: Sports nurse practitioner sold opioids to athletes like ‘you gotta pay for your burger,” DEA investigation finds

August 29, 2026 - 04:49

A Florida sports medicine nurse practitioner is facing serious federal scrutiny after investigators say she handed out thousands of illegal opioid prescriptions to athletes, comparing the transactions to a fast food counter. Joan Rubinger, who ran a practice catering to a long list of sports clients, allegedly made it clear that painkiller refills came with a price tag.

According to a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation, Rubinger wrote prescriptions for controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose, often in exchange for cash. The DEA's affidavit describes one conversation where she told a patient, "You gotta pay for your burger," implying that opioid access was simply a transaction. The phrase, investigators noted, echoed the casual tone of someone ordering at a McDonald's drive-thru.

The probe uncovered that Rubinger's patient roster included hundreds of athletes, but the volume of prescriptions far exceeded what a normal practice would produce. Over a period of several years, she allegedly issued thousands of orders for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other addictive painkillers. Many of these prescriptions were written without proper exams, follow-ups, or documented medical need, according to court records.

The DEA's findings suggest that Rubinger exploited her position of trust in the sports community, where injuries and pain management are common. Instead of referring athletes to pain specialists or physical therapy, she reportedly became a one-stop shop for narcotics. The investigation also flagged that some patients traveled long distances just to see her, which raised red flags about the nature of the practice.

Rubinger now faces potential criminal charges, though the case is still unfolding. Her medical license has been suspended in Florida, and the DEA has seized records from her office. The agency's report emphasizes that this case is part of a broader crackdown on medical professionals who prioritize profit over patient safety. For the athletes involved, the fallout could be severe, as many may now struggle with dependency issues that began under the guise of legitimate treatment.