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NBC provides update on Mike Tirico after he leaves Kentucky Derby broadcast

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated May 3, 2025 6:58 PM ET

NBC has provided an update on Mike Tirico after he abruptly left the network’s Kentucky Derby coverage due to illness.

Replacement host Ahmed Fareed announced during Saturday’s telecast that Tirico’s illness was the result of an allergic reaction. Fareed said Tirico was feeling better, but would not return to Saturday’s broadcast.

“(Tirico) does have a nut allergy. He had a reaction earlier today,” Fareed said. “He is feeling fine now, but he’s just going to stay on the sideline.”

"[Mike Tirico] does have a nut allergy. He had a reaction earlier today. He is feeling fine now, but he is just gonna stay on the sideline." #KentuckyDerby https://t.co/8a5HPY8YzS pic.twitter.com/CJa4seBn8u
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025

Tirico posted on X saying that he hated having to be a “scratch” from the network’s coverage, but thanked the medical staff at Churchill Downs, as well as his NBC colleagues for stepping up and covering for him.

Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby. Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down.

Profound thanks to @ChurchillDowns for their care. And to our amazing @nbcsports horse racing family.…
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) May 3, 2025

Tirico opened NBC’s Kentucky Derby pre-show as normal on Saturday, but many quickly noticed that he did not sound like his usual self. He abruptly left the broadcast shortly after 3 P.M., with Fareed replacing him and informing viewers that Tirico was feeling “a little under the weather.”

The 58-year-old Tirico is one of the most well-known voices in sports. He is best-known as the current voice of “Sunday Night Football,” but hosts many events for NBC, and will take on a big role next year as the network brings back the NBA.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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