Arch Manning apologizes to Holly Rowe over AI video remarks
Texas quarterback Arch Manning said his laughter at a fake video of Steve Sarkisian hitting Holly Rowe was insensitive and apologized.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Arch Manning apologized to Holly Rowe after laughing at an AI-generated video that falsely depicted Texas coach Steve Sarkisian striking the ESPN reporter. The Texas quarterback said Tuesday that his remarks at a Monday media availability were insensitive and that there was “nothing funny” about the clip.
“I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people,” Manning wrote in an Instagram Story reproduced by CBS Austin. “I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”
What did Arch Manning say in his apology to Holly Rowe?
Manning specifically addressed Rowe in the statement, saying he had “a ton of respect” for her, appreciated her grace and needed to be more thoughtful in the future. He said he was sorry for what Rowe had personally dealt with because of his comments.
CBS Austin reported that Manning issued the statement Tuesday after online criticism of his response. ESPN declined to comment, according to the station.
How the AI video and Manning’s comments unfolded
The episode followed Texas’ 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State on Saturday. In the real postgame exchange, Sarkisian left Rowe’s on-field interview, shouting support for Texas as he headed toward the celebration, CBS Sports reported.
A manipulated video later circulated online portraying Sarkisian returning to hit Rowe. That scene did not happen. It was generated with AI, according to CBS Sports.
Asked Monday whether he had seen online edits after the game, Manning said he had watched a few. He then referred to the fake Sarkisian-Rowe video and called it “hilarious,” while laughing, CBS Sports reported. Other people in the media room could also be heard laughing in video of the availability.
The remarks drew criticism online, CBS Austin reported, including from people who said the exchange treated violence against women too lightly.
What actually happened between Sarkisian and Rowe?
Sarkisian did not hit Rowe. The actual footage showed him walking away from the customary postgame interview after Texas beat Ohio State, CBS Sports and a Yahoo-hosted report said.
Separating the real walk-off from the fabricated clip is central to the controversy: the video Manning discussed was an altered social-media creation, not a recording of an assault.
A Sept. 15 column by Jay Mariotti reported that Rowe accepted Manning’s apology after a private conversation, writing that the two would move forward with respect and kindness. That account has not been independently corroborated in the available reporting.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.