NBC Sports' Mike Tirico suffered a medical emergency that played out during the Kentucky Derby. Tirico has a severe nut allergy, and had a reaction live on air. He appeared on The TODAY Show Monday to explain what happened.

NBC Sports host Mike Tirico had to leave the network's Kentucky Derby broadcast early on Saturday due to a strong reaction to a nut allergy.

Fans now have more information as to why a familiar face abruptly left NBC’s set during its coverage of the Kentucky Derby. Veteran broadcaster Mike Tirico, who lives in Ann Arbor, confirmed what was said on the broadcast on Saturday: He had a significant reaction to a nut allergy.