Mike Tirico Speaks Out After Nut Allergy Forces Him to Exit Kentucky Derby: ‘It Affects Your Breathing’

Mike Tirico opened up in a new interview about the medical incident he suffered over the weekend that led to him exiting the Kentucky Derby.

Mike, 58, appeared virtually on Today on Monday, May 5, to talk about exactly what happened at the horse race that left everyone at home concerned for his health.

“Friend Mike Tirico had to leave NBC’s broadcast early because of a medical incident, and the incident later revealed to be a significant reaction to his nut allergy,” Craig Melvin said during the broadcast as Mike appeared on the screen.

“What happened, Mike? Here’s here right now. You look good, fresh as a daisy. What happened?” Savannah Guthrie asked.

“I feel fine. I have my coffee, watching the show like I do every morning. Sadly, I’ve become part of the show here. I left my EpiPen in Craig’s dressing room when I was there filling in for Craig a couple of weeks ago, so that’s what really happened,” he joked about previously filling in for Craig, 45, on the show. The statement made his costars laugh, however, the conversation then took a more serious turn.

“No, but in all seriousness, and it is serious, I’ve had a nut allergy my whole life and am usually very, very careful,” Mike said. “As a matter of fact, when I was in doing the show for a few days, one of the things I pointed out was if we have a cooking segment, I have a nut allergy, so I don’t want to eat anything with nuts and usually you go to a restaurant, you ask, I bring it up on a regular basis and whatever I ended up eating during the day, usually you do that snack grazing that a lot of us in TV do so you’re not eating a big meal before you go on the air.”

“I ate something that had a nut in it and had a nut allergy, [which] causes your throat and your nose and all that stuff to kind of clog up and swell and it affects your breathing a little bit,” he added. “So, wasn’t feeling well, couldn’t go on with the show, took an EpiPen shot, got treated by EMTs, felt better as about 8, 9:00 came along but it takes a while for it to get out of your system and thank goodness Ahmed Fareed was there and filled in more than ably the show went on without us.”

Craig pointed out that the month of May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. “What do you want people to take away from Tirico’s experience?” he asked Mike.

Mike said, “There are over 30 million Americans with food allergies,” and that his son also has food allergies. He encouraged people to “read labels” to see if something was “made in a factory where nuts are present.”

The broadcaster went on to say that people with allergies “have to be very careful” about “cross-contamination” and emphasized how important it is to “ask questions,” especially when dining out.

“Restaurants are great about it now, folks, so ask, inquire, be curious and be courteous to those who have nut allergies or other food allergies. There are many obviously around the country,” Mike said.

He praised the “very kind” people who reached out to him after the medical incident and assured viewers that he feels “great” and that he is “lucky to be surrounded by great folks.”

Mike first spoke out in an Instagram post on Saturday about his exit from the event.

“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,” the sportscaster announced. “Profound thanks to @churchilldowns for their care. And to our amazing @nbcsports horse racing family. Especially Randy, Jerry & Ahmed @fareed_nbc. So lucky to have @syracuseu fam step in and do such a great job.”