Texas QB Arch Manning apologizes for laughing at AI video depicting violence against ESPN reporter Holly Rowe

Arch Manning laughed publicly at an AI-generated video depicting coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during a Monday press conference, then issued a written apology on Instagram on Tuesday after criticism. Rowe accepted the apology following a private conversation with Manning. When asked at the press conference about social media edits celebrating Texas's 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State on Saturday, According to the Guardian's reporting, the video showed Sarkisian shouting "Hook 'em!" before striking Rowe, who was depicted falling face down to the turf. In the actual postgame interaction on Saturday, Sarkisian responded to Rowe's question by shouting "Texas fight. Hook 'em!" and walking off the interview abruptly. A Texas spokesperson told the Guardian that ESPN's technical difficulties earlier in the broadcast played a role in Sarkisian's response. The coach had declined a halftime interview with ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge, with Rutledge citing technical issues on air. Manning's Instagram apology, posted Tuesday, stated: "In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. 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 it." He added: "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." Rowe, who has spent more than two decades as a sideline reporter for ESPN's college football and college basketball coverage, responded on Instagram on Tuesday: "Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another." According to the Guardian, Rowe won a Sports Emmy for her reporting and received the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award in 2023. Evan Vieth, the reporter who asked Manning the question at Monday's press conference and posted the interaction on social media, also apologized on Tuesday. His original post on X describing Manning's reaction as "gold" garnered more than 27 million views. Vieth wrote: "I sincerely apologize for how I chose to present the tweet, and I'll be more careful going forward, especially when it comes to AI-generated content and how quickly I hit send." Texas defeated Ohio State from a 20-point deficit on Saturday and rose to No. 1 in the AP Poll entering week three of the college football season. Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards and rushed 8 times for 24 yards in the victory. The Longhorns next play UT San Antonio on Saturday.