Veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico was unexpectedly sidelined during NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Tirico, who has anchored the network’s Triple Crown broadcasts since 2017, was calling the event at a rainy, chilly Churchill Downs on Saturday but appeared noticeably off-form. By 3 p.m. ET, he stepped away from the Louisville coverage, feeling “under the weather.”
While it was initially uncertain if Tirico would return for the 151st Kentucky Derby, set for 7:02 p.m. ET, NBC Sports host Ahmed Fareed announced around 6 p.m. ET that Tirico would not be back due to an allergic reaction. “Mike has a nut allergy and had a reaction earlier today,” Fareed said from the racetrack desk, where he filled in. “He’s feeling fine now but will stay on the sidelines. Mike, we hope you’re feeling better soon.”
"[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
Social media buzzed with concern, noting Tirico’s subdued presence. “Mike Tirico sounds like he should be in bed, not covering the Derby,” one user posted. Another remarked, “Something is very wrong with Mike Tirico.” Fans also observed that his iconic voice, a hallmark of NBC Sports, was off: “Tirico’s voice might not make it through the Kentucky Derby telecast.”
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