Texas QB Arch Manning apologizes for ‘insensitive comment’ over AI video

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning apologized Tuesday for referencing an AI video of his head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe in the wake of Texas’s win over Ohio State over the weekend.

On Saturday, Sarkisian first didn’t partake in a halftime interview with ESPN after reporter Laura Rutledge said the coach had to wait too long due to technical difficulties. Sarkisian was then approached by Rowe for a postgame interview, as is customary, but after yelling with excitement into the vicinity of Rowe, Sarkisian ran away before answering any questions.

On Monday, Manning was asked by Inside Texas reporter Evan Vieth if he’d seen any social media videos about the Longhorns’ come-from-behind victory against the then-No. 1 Buckeyes, and Manning said he saw an AI video of Sarkisian striking Rowe.

“I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff but that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Have you all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe?” Manning said while laughing during a press conference.

Vieth shared the video Monday, and it was met with swift backlash.

On Tuesday, Manning apologized in an Instagram story.

“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it,” Manning wrote. “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 that that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”

Manning added: “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. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”

Vieth, who initially described Manning’s response as “gold,” also apologized Monday. “I sincerely apologize for how I chose to present the tweet, and I’ll be more careful going forward,” he wrote in part of a social media post.

Rowe thanked Manning for his apology on Tuesday.

“I appreciate our conversation about this which will remain private. Apology accepted,” she wrote on social media. “We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”

Manning, 22, is in his senior season at Texas. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, he was a consensus five-star recruit before committing to the Longhorns in December 2022. He is also a highly regarded NFL prospect, and is widely expected to be a first-round pick in next year’s draft.

He is seeking to be the third generation of the Manning family to play in the NFL after Peyton, Eli and his grandfather Archie.

Rowe, 60, has worked full time at ESPN since 1998. She is a reporter on several major events, including college football, the WNBA, and the women’s NCAA Final Four.

In 2023, Rowe received the Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also an advocate for cancer research after she was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2015.