Mike Tirico steps away from Kentucky Derby 2025 coverage after allergic reaction
Share this @internewscast.com

Mike Tirico stepped away from his role as NBC’s host for the Kentucky Derby due to an allergic reaction for a nut allergy.

Ahmed Fareed stepped in for Tirico during the Derby broadcast for NBC—marking the ninth year Tirico served as host—and shared on-air Saturday that Tirico experienced a nut allergy reaction earlier that day.

“He is feeling fine now,” Fareed said, “but he is just gonna stay on the sideline.”


Mike Tirico is pictured during a ceremony at a Syracuse basketball game in February 2024.
Mike Tirico is pictured during a ceremony at a Syracuse basketball game in February 2024. Getty Images

Since 2017, Tirico has been a prominent figure in NBC’s Derby coverage. Besides that, he is known as the voice of “Sunday Night Football” and is set to become the network’s leading broadcaster for NBA games when NBC begins airing them next season, among other duties.

He traveled to Churchill Downs and was featured in coverage for the network leading up to the Derby.

Tirico participated in an interview for the “Up & Adams” show Friday, when he was asked about a variety of topics by host Kay Adams that included the Kentucky Derby, Aaron Rodgers’ unclear status for 2025 and the lasting impact of former Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who transitioned into a new role as team president after stepping down as coach.

Fareed replaced Tirico around an hour into NBC’s coverage Saturday, according to Awful Announcing, and the outlet added that social media users thought something seemed off with Tirico’s voice.


Ahmed Fareed (l.) filled in for Mike Tirico during NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage Saturday.
Ahmed Fareed (l.) filled in for Mike Tirico during NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage Saturday. Screengrab via X/@awfulannouncing

When Fareed announced earlier in the broadcast that Tirico was sidelined due to an unspecified illness, he left the door open for Tirico to eventually return later in the day if he felt better — before eventually following up with the update about the allergy and reaction.

“Mike, as you may have heard, is a little under the weather right now,” Fareed said during his initial update. “So I’m gonna step in and take over for a bit. It is not like baseball. If the closer comes in, the starter can come back in the game. So rest assured, when Mike is feeling better, he will be right back in this seat.”

NBC also posted an X clip Friday that captured Tirico giving viewers a behind-the-scenes tour of the network’s studio at Churchill Downs.

Journalism entered as the favorite to win the 151st running of the Derby, followed by Sovereignty and Sandman, as the Triple Crown schedule begins — with the Preakness Stakes following on May 17 before the Belmont Stakes takes place June 7 at Saratoga Race Course.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chimney installed on Sistine Chapel's roof ahead of conclave to pick Pope Francis' successor

Chimney Added to Sistine Chapel Roof in Preparation for Papal Conclave to Choose Successor to Pope Francis

On Friday, a chimney was placed atop the Sistine Chapel to signal…
Sovereignty pulls away to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Sovereignty Races to Victory in the 2025 Kentucky Derby

The 151st Kentucky Derby is in the books, and Sovereignty is the…
See President Trump's Opulent New Private Jet

Take a Look Inside President Trump’s Luxurious New Private Jet

Evidently, Air Force One isn’t luxurious enough for President Trump, prompting the…
Group left stranded for 36 hours in alligator-infested waters

Group Stranded for 36 Hours in Alligator-Infested Waters

A group that found themselves stranded in alligator-infested waters following an emergency…
Reaping What You Sow: AOC Townhall Descends Into Chaos As Protester Shrieks, 'You're a Liar!'

Town Hall Turns Chaotic as Protester Accuses AOC of Lying

Remember: no matter how woke you are, there’s always someone even woker:…
President Trump's Taiwan Deal Could Give America Dominance In Microchip Industry

Trump’s Taiwan Agreement Could Boost America’s Lead in Microchip Market

President Donald Trump is trying to strike a deal to give the…
Man shot to death at apartment complex on Jacksonville's Westside, JSO says

JSO reports fatal shooting at Jacksonville’s Westside apartment complex

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it detained multiple people of interest at…
Hamas fighters carrying rifles at a hostage handover in Gaza.

Hamas Members Involved in Heinous Acts to Face First Israeli Execution in 60 Years

EVIL Hamas terrorists who slaughtered, raped and tortured innocent civilians on October…
Rubio blasts communist Cuban regime as NJ trooper’s killer remains free

Rubio Criticizes Cuban Government While NJ Trooper’s Killer Evades Capture

On May 2, 1973, New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster stopped a…
Woman escapes storage container after brutal attack in Florida

Florida Woman Survives Violent Attack and Breaks Free from Storage Container

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office apprehended David Earl Gipson after saying he…
How To Watch ‘60 Minutes’ Segment On Trump's Legal Battles: Time, Channel, Streaming Info

Guide to Watching the ’60 Minutes’ Episode on Trump’s Legal Challenges: Air Time, Channel, and Streaming Details

As 60 Minutes prepares to broadcast another probing report focused on President…
When is the Kentucky Derby? Schedule and favorites for Saturday's race

Kentucky Derby Date: Full Schedule and Top Contenders for Saturday’s Event

The first Saturday in May is synonymous with mint juleps, elaborate hats…