Texas quarterback Arch Manning apologized Tuesday after he laughed at a news conference about an AI-altered video that showed coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
Manning posted the apology on Instagram one day after Texas’ weekly media availability in Austin. “I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” he wrote, according to the Houston Chronicle. “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.”
He added that he wanted to apologize to Rowe “for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments,” and said he would “be more thoughtful going forward.”
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) September 15, 2026
Rowe accepted the apology. “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,” she posted on X and Instagram, the Chronicle and Boston Globe reported.
The comments came Monday when Manning was asked if he had seen social-media clips from Texas’ 24-23 win over No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night at Royal-Memorial Stadium. “I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview,” he said, according to The Athletic. “Y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe. It’s hilarious.” Some reporters in the room laughed.
The fake clip circulated after Sarkisian cut short a postgame interview with Rowe. Video of the real exchange showed the coach interrupting her, shouting “Texas fight” and “Hook ’Em,” then walking away as the stadium celebrated. No slap occurred.
Texas rose to No. 1 in the AP poll after the comeback. Manning, 22, is the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. Rowe is a longtime ESPN college football sideline reporter. Sarkisian has not issued a public statement on Manning’s remarks.
