Arch Manning apologizes for laughing at AI video of coach slapping ESPN reporter - USA Today

Texas quarterback Arch Manning apologized for laughing about an AI-generated video of Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.

Manning put out a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, Sept. 15 after he faced backlash on social media for laughing about the video.

"In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. 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 the lightly and am deeply sorry for that.

"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 the moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward," he wrote.

Rowe responded to Manning's post, thanking him for the apology as they were able to speak to each other.

"I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another," Rowe said.

The moment happened on Monday, Sept. 14, when Manning was asked if he had seen any social media edits of Texas' 20-point comeback win over No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 12. He responded by mentioning he saw the AI-generated video while laughing, asking the reporters in the room if they had also seen the video.

"I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview," he said. "That's a good one — of him slapping Holly Rowe. That's hilarious."

Reporters in the room also joined in on laughing with Manning.

The video centered on the postgame interaction Sarkisian and Rowe. After Texas won, the ESPN reporter was in the middle of asking a question when Sarkisian avoided the postgame interview and cut off Rowe's question before she was done speaking and walked away.

"That's called Texas fight. Hook 'em," Sarkisian said before he departed, leaving Rowe by herself.

It came after he didn't speak with fellow ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge at halftime, as Rutledge acknowledging on the broadcast he eventually left her side after waiting for multiple moments to appear on the broadcast.

There were lots of social media posts and reporters that criticized Manning for laughing at the AI-video, especially given his status as the nephew of two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. The people in the room that joined him in laughter were also condemned.

Manning went 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown to an interception in Texas' 24-23 win over the Buckeyes.