NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’ host Craig Melvin never steps back from slamming co-host Al Roker on-air, especially when the latter mocks their guests on the live show. Recently, Melvin snapped at Roker after he brutally mocked sportscaster Mike Tirico.
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, sports commentator Mike Tirico joined the ‘Today’ hosts Craig Melvin, Savannah Sellers, and Al Roker through a video call to chat about Summer Olympics 2024. Mike connected with the hosts from Paris, France, and reflected on the upcoming grand competition. While he was giving details regarding the game, Roker couldn’t stop himself to tease Mike. However, Melvin was there to rescue Mike from Roker’s playful jab.
Who is Mike Tirico?
Tirico is a highly accomplished sportscaster and play-by-play announcer, known for his versatile and engaging commentary across a wide range of sports. Throughout his career, he has worked with prestigious networks such as ESPN, ABC, and NBC, covering major sporting events like the NFL, NBA, college football, golf, and more. One of his most notable achievements was being selected as the prime-time host for NBC's coverage of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. His adept handling of the broadcasts and his deep knowledge of various winter sports further solidified his reputation as a top-notch sportscaster.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tirico is a devoted family man. He is married to Debbie Tirico and the couple has two children together. In addition to his work in sports broadcasting, Tirico is also involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various charitable causes. He values giving back to the community and strives to make a positive impact beyond the realm of sports.
‘Don’t listen to him’
In a recent ‘Today’ episode, Tirico connected with the ‘Today’ hosts from Paris and revealed what he’s been up to from the last few days. He said that he had dinner with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and International Olympics Committee head Thomas Bach. He also divulged what to expect from the upcoming Summer Olympics Games to be held in July 2024 in Paris.
In passing, Tirico briefly mentioned the dinner, using it as a segue to lead into his discussion about the excitement and anticipation surrounding the major event. But the 68-year-old weather reporter interpreted Mike’s story as boastful and decided to throw some shade at him. He said while playfully imitating the way Mike was speaking, “You hear that name drop, 'Oh I just had dinner...'". He continued as he laughed, “Oh, look at me I’m Mike Tirico ooh Lala.” Mike, taking Roker’s mocking as a tease, replied, “I'm just a reporter, sharing facts with my friends in the morning.” While Roker continued to burst into laughter, Melvin stuck up for Mike as he said, “Not to listen to Al”.
Craig Melvin keeps Al Roker in check
Melvin doesn't hesitate to correct Roker when the situation calls for it. During the ‘Today's 3rd Hour’ segment, a production mishap occurred amid the segment on 'Last Minute Summer Travel Deals'. NBC personalities Melvin, Roker, and Savannah Guthrie interviewed travel writer Mark Ellwood about the best places to visit during this time of year. Mark covered various top hot spots, guided by Melvin’s direction, including places like New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and New Orleans, Louisiana. When discussing the Sierra Nevada Resort in California, the B-roll footage correctly matched his description. However, a glitch in the B-roll footage emerged when Mark began talking about the indoor water park at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Instead of displaying the actual water park, the producers mistakenly played a clip of someone jet-skiing on the ocean.
Roker keenly picked up on the error and couldn't resist making a sarcastic remark on-air, quipping, "That's a huge water park,” while the incorrect footage played. In response to Roker’s snarky comment, Melvin quickly clapped back, playfully telling him to "shut up”.
