Mike Tirico has spoken out in further detail after revealing that a ‘significant reaction’ to his nut allergy forced him to step away from NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage on Saturday.
Fans were concerned for the 58-year-old broadcaster when he was suddenly replaced about an hour into the broadcast.
But speaking to the TODAY show on Monday, Tirico said he now feels ‘fine’ while going into detail about his allergy reaction.
‘I ate something that had a nut in it and had a nut allergy, causing your throat and your nose all that stuff to kind of clog up and swell,’ he said.
‘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, felt better about 8, 9 o’clock came along, but it takes a long while to get out of your system.’
Tirico explained that he is usually more careful about what he eats and that he has battled the nut allergy his entire life.
Mike Tirico was forced to step away from NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby due to illness
‘It’s a real thing,’ he said.
‘My son has it. Lots of us know someone who has a food allergy, so read labels – and I do, as often as possible, to check. Sometimes it will say, ‘Made in a factory where nuts are present.’ You have to be really careful about that stuff.’
While Tirico was in good spirits on TODAY, he had to be replaced by NBC colleague Ahmed Fareed on Saturday.
Fareed stepped in for the legendary Tirico after a commercial break before the latter explained his absence to viewers on X.
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.’
More to follow
