Arch Manning Apology
Texas Quarterback Arch Manning Apologizes To ESPN Reporter Holly Rowe For AI Video Reaction
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Key Points
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The AI-edited video depicted Sarkisian shouting “Hook ’Em!” before slapping Rowe and showing her fall face-first onto the field—an escalation beyond the coach’s real-life decision to abruptly end the interview.
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Rowe has worked at ESPN for more than 30 years, adding professional context to the significance of Manning’s apology and her decision to address the matter privately.
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Manning’s apology was posted to his Instagram Story, a format that disappears after 24 hours, rather than issued as a permanent post or formal statement.
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The episode unfolded as Texas prepared for its next game against UTSA, with the Longhorns’ attention expected to turn toward Week 2 after the apology.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning apologized after calling an AI-generated video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe "hilarious" during a Monday press conference. The Comeback reported that Manning posted a two-paragraph statement on Instagram Tuesday, acknowledging his comments were hurtful and saying he would be more thoughtful in the future. Rowe accepted the apology following a private conversation, with the veteran ESPN journalist saying she wanted to "move forward with respect and kindness."
The deepfake video spoofed Sarkisian's real postgame interaction with Rowe after Texas's 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State, when he abruptly ended her interview and ran off shouting team slogans. Seattle PI reported that the AI edit showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe and knocking her to the ground—far more violent than his actual behavior. Beat reporter Evan Vieth also apologized for promoting Manning's reaction on social media, saying it trivialized violence against women.
The AI Video Sparked Online Outrage
The deepfake surfaced Sunday after Sarkisian's postgame interview with Rowe on the field. Stamford Advocate noted that Manning saw the AI edit and called it "hilarious" when asked about it during Monday's media availability. The comment quickly spread when beat reporter Evan Vieth posted the clip on X with the caption "gold," reaching over 9 million views within six hours.
Critics pointed out that audible laughter came from male journalists in the press room when Manning made the remark. Journal Gazette reported that the incident drew broader criticism for trivializing violence against women and normalizing AI-generated fake videos depicting harm to female journalists. The controversy raised questions about media awareness and what gets amplified online.
Manning and Rowe's Private Conversation Resolved the Matter
On Tuesday, Manning posted an apology to his Instagram Story—a format that disappears after 24 hours. He wrote: "I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it. I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe." Syracuse.com reported that Rowe reshared Manning's post, confirming they had spoken privately.
Rowe, a 30-year ESPN veteran and Curt Gowdy Media Award winner, responded with grace. "Thank you, Arch," she wrote. "I appreciate our conversation about this—which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another." Her acceptance of the apology and decision to keep details private signaled the matter had been resolved between them.
Reporter Vieth Also Apologized for Amplifying the Post
Evan Vieth, the reporter who asked Manning about the video during the press conference, deleted his original X post and issued his own apology. "Captioning Manning's response with 'gold' trivialized an AI video depicting violence against a colleague, and that is a mistake I deeply regret," he wrote. His retraction acknowledged the role media plays in amplifying content, even when framed as light-hearted.
The cascade of apologies reflected growing awareness of how AI-generated content depicting violence against women can spread quickly in digital spaces. Sports industry observers noted the incident would likely prompt colleges to update media training and policies regarding how athletes and coaches discuss deepfakes and manipulated videos.
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