LEGENDARY commentator Mike Tirico was forced to step away from NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday due to a health issue.
Tirico, 58, is one of the most esteemed sportscasters in the world thanks to his remarkable coverage of various sports, such as the Olympics.

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And fans were left worried when the presenter was suddenly replaced by NBC colleague Ahmed Fareed after a commercial break.
And the Derby’s enthusiasts knew something was off before the broadcaster left the air as his voice sounded worryingly different.
One fan tweeted: “Definitely could tell he was sick. Sounded horrible.”
Another commented: “Time for @NBCSports to call in Ahmed Fareed for an obviously ailing Mike Tirico on the @KentuckyDerby telecast. His voice is not good television right now.”
A third wrote: “The way he sounds there should be odds on Mike Tirico is not making it to the finish of the Kentucky Derby show.”
And that one posted: “Why are we pretending like Mike Tirico is ok? Something is very wrong.”
Tirico addressed the concerning scenes soon after and revealed he suffered a “significant reaction” caused by his nut allergy.
Thankfully, everything went well as he thanked his colleagues and the organisers for all the help they immediately provided.
Tirico tweeted: “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.”