UPDATE
May 5, 2025 11:28 AM CDT
NBC Sports analyst Mike Tirico says he's fully recovered after he had to duck out of the network's Kentucky Derby coverage on Saturday because of an ill-advised snack. "I ate something that had a nut in it," he told the Today show. Tirico has a nut allergy and says he's usually careful to check labels and steer clear, but not this time. "It affects your breathing a little bit, so (I) wasn't feeling well, couldn't go on with the show, took an EpiPen shot, got treated by EMTs ... but it takes a long while to get out of your system." He used his appearance to highlight the risks involved, and to urge people—those having friends over, for example—to be aware of them.
May 4, 2025 12:02 PM CDT
Mike Tirico was at the microphone during NBC's coverage from Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday—until he wasn't. Nearly four hours before Kentucky Derby post time, the veteran sportscaster disappeared from the broadcast, USA Today reports. His replacement at the NBC Sports desk eventually made the announcement to viewers, saying Tirico "does have a nut allergy. He had a reaction earlier today." Ahmed Fareed added, "He is feeling fine now, but he is just going to stay on the sidelines."
Tirico explained his departure in a post on X, per the AP, describing himself as a "late scratch" because of a "significant" allergic reaction. A network spokesman said the broadcaster went back to his hotel. Viewers had noticed there was a problem, per USA Today. "Mike Tirico sounds like he should be in bed sleeping, not covering the Derby," one posted. "Mike Tirico's voice might not make it to the end of the Kentucky Derby telecast," another said. Tirico has led the network's Triple Crown coverage since 2017. (More Mike Tirico stories.)
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