Mike Tirico speaks out about Kentucky Derby exit after having allergic reaction

NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico stepped away from coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday due to a nut allergy but says he’s doing well now.

“I feel fine. I have my coffee, watching the (TODAY) show like I do every morning,” he said Monday. Tirico, who co-anchored “TODAY” for a week in April, noted that he’s “become part of the show” and joked, “I left my EpiPen in Craig’s dressing room.”

Tirico then explained that he’s had a nut allergy his entire life and makes a point to avoid nuts in case they may be around.

“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, who has served on NBC Sports’ coverage of the famed “Run for the Roses” for many years, told followers on social media how he had to leave the broadcast, which culminated with Sovereignty fending off favorite Journalism to win the race.

“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. I’m doing fine now,” he wrote on X on Saturday.

Ahmed Fareed jumped in to replace Tirico and confirmed that Tirico would not return on-camera.

“We want to tell you that he does have a nut allergy. He had a reaction earlier today,” Fareed told viewers. “He is feeling fine now, but he is just going to stay on the sidelines. So, Mike, I know you are listening right now. I hope you are feeling better and get back to yourself here very soon.”