Arch Manning is riding high after leading Texas to a thrilling 24-23 comeback victory over No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night. But the Longhorns quarterback found himself in hot water on Monday after cracking a joke about a controversial AI video involving his head coach and ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
During a press conference with reporters, Manning was asked about the viral moment when coach Steve Sarkisian cut short his postgame interview with Rowe. Instead of sidestepping the topic, Manning referenced an AI-generated clip that showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe, calling it “hilarious.”
“I’ve seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that’s about it. I saw AI edits of Sark’s interview,” Manning said. “Have ya’ll seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.”
The comments quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, with many fans and media members calling for Manning to apologize. Critics argued that joking about a simulated act of violence against a woman was tone-deaf, especially given Rowe’s recent personal struggles—her mother passed away just a month ago.
One fan wrote, “His PR training meeting tonight gonna be a long one.” Another added, “Some of the supposed adults in the room found AI-generated abuse of a fellow media member to be something worth laughing about?” ESPN’s Clinton Yates also weighed in, tweeting, “This is a horrendous exchange on a couple levels.”
The controversy stems from Saturday’s postgame scene, when Sarkisian abruptly ended his interview with Rowe after the dramatic win. Texas officials attributed the early exit to technical difficulties, but the awkward moment went viral and spawned a wave of AI edits, including the one Manning found so amusing.
This isn’t the first time Sarkisian’s sideline interactions have made headlines. Earlier this season, his brief exchange with Rowe drew criticism, and now Manning’s reaction has added another layer to the story.
Manning, who has been praised for his poise on the field, may need to work on his off-field judgment. As one fan noted, “Some of the supposed adults in the room found AI-generated abuse of a fellow media member to be something worth laughing about?” The quarterback is likely to face a sit-down with Texas’ PR team to discuss the importance of respecting colleagues and avoiding insensitive jokes.
While Manning’s comment was clearly made in jest, it highlights a broader issue in sports culture: the tendency to laugh at content that crosses ethical lines. As other sports figures have learned, a misplaced joke can quickly overshadow a big victory.
For now, Manning can bask in the glory of a monumental win, but he may also need to issue a public apology to Rowe and the Longhorns community. After all, as Tim Tebow once advised, character is just as important as talent.
