NBC’s Mike Tirico had to leave the coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday after experiencing a significant reaction due to his nut allergy.
Ahmed Faird took over for Tirico for about an hour, informing viewers that Tirico was “feeling a bit under the weather.”
“It’s not like baseball; if you’re feeling unwell, you can often come back into the game. If Mike’s feeling better, he might return,” Faird said.
Tirico later updated his status on X, sharing, “I hate having to leave right after making the starting gate… just a major reaction to my nut allergy.”
Tirico has been covering NBC races for nine years, including the US Open and the Summer 2024 Olympics. He’s also known for his commentary during Sunday night soccer.
Some fans expressed concern about Tirico on air, noting that his voice sounded “a bit distant.”
“Um… is Mike Tirico okay on Derby Day?” one viewer wondered.
“Something seems off with the great announcer Mike Tirico; does his voice seem different?” another commented.
