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Texas quarterback Arch Manning issued a public apology Tuesday after mocking an AI-altered video that appeared to show coach Steve Sarkisian striking ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. The remark, made during a press conference in Austin, drew swift criticism and prompted responses from Rowe and the reporter who asked the question.
Manning’s remark and apology
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Speaking about social media edits after Texas’ upset win, Manning referenced an artificial‑intelligence clip that portrayed Sarkisian slapping Rowe. “I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one, of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious,” he said at the press conference.
After facing backlash, Manning released a statement a day later. He wrote that “there is nothing funny about it,” and acknowledged his words and actions had been hurtful to many people.
The real postgame exchange
The actual interaction between Sarkisian and Rowe was brief. According to broadcasters, Sarkisian offered a short postgame comment and then left the field to celebrate with his team, rather than conducting a full interview.
ESPN’s Laura Rutledge also noted the coach had been unavailable at halftime, saying he had “waited for a long time” before departing. Those details contradicted the scene shown in the doctored AI edit.
Rowe’s response and ESPN’s position
Rowe addressed the matter on Instagram after speaking privately with Manning. She thanked him and said their conversation would remain private, adding: “Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
ESPN declined to comment when contacted by Front Office Sports.
Questioner apologizes, wider reaction
The reporter who asked Manning about social posts, Evan Veith of InsideTexas, also faced criticism for posting the exchange and describing Manning’s reply as “gold.” Veith posted an apology on X, writing that captioning the answer that way “trivialized an AI video depicting violence against a colleague, and that is a mistake I deeply regret.”
On the field
Manning helped the Longhorns rally for a 24–23 victory over No. 6 Ohio State last weekend. The team moved to the top spot in the AP Poll and is scheduled to host UTSA on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
