Full Breakdown
Arch Manning apologizes after laughing about AI video of coach slapping ESPN reporter
By Drooid · · How we work
The incident and immediate fallout
On September 12, 2026 the Texas Longhorns rallied from a 23-3 deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in Austin. After the game head coach Steve Sarkisian walked off the field, shouting “Texas fight! Hook ‘em!” and declined the customary post-game interview with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe. Fan-made AI edits then depicted Sarkisian slapping Rowe.
During the team’s press conference on September 14, quarterback Arch Manning was asked if he had seen the edits. The comment drew backlash on social media, prompting Manning to issue a written apology on Instagram the next day.
Background to the post-game interview
ESPN’s halftime broadcast cited “technical difficulties” that delayed the interview, while a Texas spokesperson later said those issues “played a role” in the coach’s decision to walk away. ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge also noted the halftime delay.
Official statements & responses
- Manning emphasized his respect for Rowe and pledged to be more thoughtful.
- Evan Vieth, the Inside Texas reporter who asked the original question, apologized, saying he had captioned Manning’s answer as “gold” and would be more careful with AI-generated content.
- A Texas spokesperson reiterated that “technical difficulties” contributed to the coach’s decision.
- Steve Sarkisian gave no public comment on the AI video but was quoted on-field saying “Texas fight. Hook ‘em!” before celebrating with the team.
Criticism & opposition
Media figures condemned both the interview snub and Manning’s reaction. Christine Brennan called the moment “revealing & disgusting,” noting the discomfort of laughing at a depiction of violence against a woman. Laura Okmin expressed disappointment, writing that such behavior “isn’t surprising anymore.” Stacey Dales of NFL Network labeled the video “nothing funny” and defended Rowe’s professionalism.
Conflicting reports & gaps
The precise cause of Sarkisian’s refusal to interview Rowe remains unclear. ESPN’s coverage attributes the delay to “technical issues,” a claim echoed by Rutledge, while a Texas spokesperson suggests the coach’s impatience also factored in. No official statement from Sarkisian clarifies his motive.
Verbatim quotes
- “In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it,” — Arch Manning
- “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,” — Holly Rowe
- “I sincerely apologize for how I chose to present the tweet, and I’ll be more careful going forward, especially when it comes to AI-generated content,” — Evan Vieth
What’s next
Texas is scheduled to host UT San Antonio in Week 3, giving the Longhorns a chance to shift focus back to on-field performance after the controversy.