NBC Sports anchor Mike Tirico abruptly departed from the network’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby today after experiencing a “significant reaction” to his nut allergy.
The exit came earlier today and as reports about Tirico’s illness drew concern from viewers Saturday afternoon, the veteran newscaster took to X with a statement about what happened, thanking colleagues for their support.
“Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby,” he began. “Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down.”
He continued in the statement, shouting out Churchill Downs — the horse racing complex and famed Louisville locale home to the longest continually held sporting event in the U.S. — as well as his coworkers.
“Profound thanks to @ChurchillDowns for their care. And to our amazing @nbcsports horse racing family. Especially Randy [Moss], Jerry [Bailey] & Ahmed Fareed So lucky to have @SyracuseU fam step in and do such a great job,” he concluded.
Previously, TMZ reported that Fareed took over the broadcast circa 3 p.m. EDT, saying, “Mike, as you may have heard, is a little under the weather right now.” He didn’t elaborate further at the time.
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