Texas quarterback Arch Manning apologized to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe for joking about an AI-altered video that showed Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping her following the team’s win over Ohio State.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” Manning wrote Tuesday in an Instagram story. “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.
“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 this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”
Manning brought up the doctored video Monday when asked if he’d come across any TikTok edits of Texas’ win over Ohio State.
“I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Y’all seen that one? That’s a good one … of him slapping Holly Rowe,” Manning said, sharing a laugh with several reporters in attendance, per Evan Vieth of Inside Texas.
Sarkisian and Rowe’s actual postgame interaction went viral after the head coach quickly blew off an on-field interview. The Texas boss had already declined an interview at halftime, though ESPN’s Laura Rutledge clarified during the third quarter that his rejection was preceded by a lengthy delay due to technical issues on the network’s side.
Rowe said Tuesday that she’d had a private conversation with Manning about the comment and accepted his apology.
“We move forward with respect and kindness for one another,” she wrote.
Texas is ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll after a 2-0 start.
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