Full Breakdown
Texas’ Comeback Win, a Snubbed Interview and the AI-Generated Fallout
By Drooid · · How we work
The Game and the Interview Snub
On September 12, 2026, Texas rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in Austin. After the final play, ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe approached head coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian responded with a chant—“That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!”—and walked away before Rowe could finish her question. The clip went viral, and an AI-generated edit that showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe spread across social media.
Background and Technical Issues
The broadcast was already disrupted. At halftime, ESPN’s Laura Rutledge reported technical difficulties that delayed her interview with Sarkisian. The coach later said the delay forced him to choose between waiting for the interview and joining his team for adjustments. A similar equipment malfunction was cited for the post-game moment.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarkisian addressed the incident during a Thursday media call, emphasizing, “In no way do we condone domestic violence or violence against women,” and asserting that the program does not tolerate such behavior. Quarterback Arch Manning, after being asked about the AI video at a press conference, called the edit “hilarious,” apologized to Rowe, and pledged to be more thoughtful.
Criticism & Opposition
Media figures criticized both the coach’s dismissal of the interview and Manning’s reaction. Inside-Texas reporter Evan Vieth later apologized for describing Manning’s comment as “gold,” acknowledging the humor was inappropriate. Advocacy groups, including the Association for Women in Sports Media, issued statements condemning the normalization of violence against women in sports coverage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the primary cause of the post-game snub. Texas-affiliated outlets attribute Sarkisian’s actions to ongoing technical difficulties, while independent commentary emphasizes his eagerness to celebrate. No definitive technical log has been released, leaving the exact nature of the broadcast failure unclear.
Timeline
- September 12, 2026 – Texas completes 24-23 comeback; Rowe’s interview is cut short.
- Later that night – AI video depicting a slap goes viral.
- Monday – Manning jokes about the AI edit during a press conference.
- Tuesday – Manning posts an apology on Instagram Story.
- September 17, 2026 – Sarkisian holds a media call, offering his explanation and apology.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In no way do we condone domestic violence or violence against women,” — Steve Sarkisian
- “That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” — Steve Sarkisian
- “In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it,” — Arch Manning
What’s Next
Texas is scheduled to host in-state rival UTSA the weekend after the media call, giving the Longhorns an opportunity to shift focus back to on-field performance while the program works to repair its relationship with ESPN’s reporting team.