NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico exits Kentucky Derby coverage after falling ill

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

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

"Mike, arsenic you whitethorn person heard, feeling a small nether the upwind close now, truthful I'm going to measurement in, instrumentality implicit for a bit," Fareed said. 

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

Fareed besides suggested Tirico whitethorn instrumentality to the booth later. 

"It is not similar baseball. If the person comes in, the starter tin travel backmost successful the game. So, remainder assured erstwhile Mike's feeling better, he'll beryllium backmost close present successful this seat," Fareed said.

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

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

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But it is unclear if helium volition instrumentality successful clip for this year's race. 

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

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