Nbc Broadcaster Mike Tirico Exits Kentucky Derby Coverage After Falling Ill

NBC's Kentucky Derby sum was missing a cardinal fig erstwhile lead broadcaster Mike Tirico had to measurement disconnected group Saturday. 

Ahmed Fareed entered successful alleviation of Tirico Saturday afternoon, announcing Tirico had an unspecified illness. 

"Mike, arsenic you whitethorn person heard, emotion a small nether nan upwind correct now, truthful I'm going to measurement in, return complete for a bit," Fareed said. 

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Sportscaster Mike Tirico hosts nan Golden Goggle Awards astatine Faena Forum Miami Beach Dec. 7, 2021, successful Miami Beach, Fla. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Fareed besides suggested Tirico whitethorn return to nan booth later. 

"It is not for illustration baseball. If nan person comes in, nan starter tin travel backmost successful nan game. So, remainder assured erstwhile Mike's emotion better, he'll beryllium backmost correct present successful this seat," Fareed said.

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Prior to Tirico's exit, galore fans connected societal media pointed retired that nan broadcaster sounded off. 

Tirico has led NBC Sports' Triple Crown sum since 2017. The nine-year tally is nan longest of immoderate lead broadcaster since Bob Costas had an 18-year tally from 2001-18.

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But it is unclear if he will return successful clip for this year's race. 

The 151st moving of nan Kentucky Derby has a station clip scheduled for 7:02 p.m. ET.

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