Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has apologized to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after facing backlash for laughing at an AI-generated video that showed his coach, Steve Sarkisian, slapping her during an on-field interview.
"In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video," Manning wrote in a statement shared to his Instagram Stories on Sept. 15. "There is nothing funny about it. It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that."
What Manning Said at the Press Conference
The comments that sparked the backlash came during a Sept. 14 media session, according to footage of the event. Asked about his favorite fan edits following Texas's big win over Ohio State, Manning called the fake video of Sarkisian slapping Rowe "hilarious" and "a good one."
In his apology, the 22-year-old quarterback singled out the reporter directly. "I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments," he continued. "I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward."
Holly Rowe Responds
Rowe, a longtime ESPN sideline reporter, addressed the apology in a post on X. "Thank you, Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private," she wrote. "Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."
The Real Interview Behind the Fake Video
The AI clip that prompted the controversy invented an alternate ending to a real, on-field interview between Sarkisian and Rowe following Texas's Sept. 12 game. In the actual ESPN broadcast, the coach cut Rowe off mid-sentence by chanting the Longhorns' battle cry, "Texas Fight, hook 'em," before walking away from the interview. Sarkisian has not publicly commented on Manning's reaction to the doctored version of that moment.
Who Is Arch Manning
Manning is the son of television host Cooper Manning and the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, who each won multiple Super Bowls during their playing careers. He is also the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning. Arch Manning currently starts at quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
