Texas QB Arch Manning apologizes to ESPN's Holly Rowe over AI video comment
Texas quarterback Arch Manning has apologized to ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe after laughing during a press conference about an AI-generated video depicting head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping her.
What happened
Following Texas' dramatic 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State on Saturday, September 12, an AI-generated video circulated on social media showing Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian appearing to slap ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe. In reality, Sarkisian had cut off Rowe's postgame question, shouting the team slogans "Let's go, Texas fight!" and "Hook 'Em!" before walking away without finishing the interview.
On Monday, September 14, quarterback Arch Manning was asked at a press conference about social media reaction to the game. Laughing, he brought up the AI video: "I've seen a few AI edits, that's about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview. Y'all seen that one? That's a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe. It's hilarious." The comment drew laughter in the room, including from reporters present.
The apology
On Tuesday, September 15, Manning posted an apology on his Instagram story, calling his remark an "insensitive comment" and acknowledging his words were "hurtful to a lot of people." "I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment," he wrote.
Rowe responded on Instagram, accepting the apology: "Thank you, Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."
Evan Vieth, the On3.com reporter whose question prompted Manning's comment, also apologized for captioning his post — which has drawn more than 27 million views on X — as "gold."
Context
According to The Guardian, Sarkisian had also avoided a halftime interview with another ESPN reporter, Laura Rutledge, earlier in the game. A Texas spokesperson said ESPN technical difficulties played a role in Sarkisian's behavior. Bleacher Report reports that Rowe and Texas officials had already discussed the failed postgame interview on Monday, before Manning's comments went viral.
According to USA Today, Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the win over Ohio State. Manning, the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, is in his fourth year at Texas and the team's starting quarterback this season. The No. 1-ranked Longhorns are set to face UTSA at home on Saturday.
