Texas quarterback Arch Manning found himself in hot water Monday after admitting he found an AI-generated video of his coach, Steve Sarkisian, slapping reporter Holly Rowe 'hilarious.' The comment, made during a press conference, has sparked widespread backlash and calls for an apology.
The controversy stems from Saturday's thrilling 24-23 victory over Ohio State, where Sarkisian, visibly frustrated, blew off a postgame interview with Rowe, muttering a few words before darting away. Rowe's eye roll to the camera became an instant meme, and social media users quickly created AI edits of the interaction—one of which showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe.
When asked about the viral moment, Manning said, 'I've seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that's about it. I saw AI edits of Sark's interview.' He then asked reporters, 'Have ya'll seen that one? That's a good one,' before laughing and adding, 'Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It's hilarious.'
The response was immediate and fierce. Many criticized Manning for laughing at a video depicting violence against a woman, even if it was AI-generated. USA TODAY columnist Christine Brennan was particularly vocal, writing on X: 'A revealing & disgusting moment at Texas: Arch Manning, 22, unable to control his laughter while talking about the AI edit of his coach “slapping Holly Rowe.” And all the laughter in the room accompanying & encouraging him. Will be interesting to hear the explanations/apologies.'
The incident has overshadowed what was a dramatic comeback victory for the Longhorns, who rallied from a 20-point deficit. The win was a testament to the team's resilience, but Manning's comments have shifted the focus. As calls for an apology grow, the quarterback's future responses will be closely watched.
This isn't the first time Sarkisian's postgame behavior has made headlines. The coach's sideline snub of Rowe had already sparked outrage, with Texas later blaming tech issues for the awkward exchange. But the AI video and Manning's reaction have added a new layer of controversy.
The backlash highlights a broader issue: the ease with which AI can create realistic yet harmful content, and the responsibility of public figures to condemn such material. Manning's laughter, captured on video, has been widely shared, with many calling it tone-deaf and disrespectful.
As Texas moves forward at 2-0, the team will likely want to put this behind them. But for Manning, the lesson may be a hard one—his words, even in jest, carry weight. Whether he issues a formal apology or addresses the controversy directly remains to be seen.
For now, the sports world is left debating the line between humor and insensitivity, and whether a young quarterback's offhand comment reveals something deeper about the culture surrounding college football.
