Arch Manning facing backlash for laughing at AI video of Steve Sarkisian, Holly Rowe
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning is facing backlash for laughing about an AI-generated video that showed Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
Manning was asked by a reporter on Monday, Sept. 14, if he had seen any social media edits of Texas' 20-point comeback win over No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 12. He responded by mentioning he saw the AI-generated video while laughing, asking the reporters in the room if they had also seen the video.
There were multiple laughs in the room after Manning shared what he watched.
"I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview," he said. "That's a good one — of him slapping Holly Rowe. That's hilarious."
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to Texas for comment.
Sarkisian avoided a postgame interview with Rowe on the field after Texas' win and cut off Rowe's question before she was done speaking. He also didn't speak with fellow ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge at halftime, with Rutledge acknowledging on the broadcast he eventually left her side after waiting for multiple moments to appear on the broadcast.
"That's called Texas fight. Hook 'em," Sarkisian said before walking off his postgame interview with Rowe, who was visibly frustrated on the TV broadcast.
Reaction to Arch Manning comments on Steve Sarkisian, Holly Rowe AI video
Yahoo! Sports columnist Dan Wolken posted on X, "Yeah I just saw the video in question. Not funny at all. Giving Arch the benefit of the doubt for being young but one day he will look back and want a do-over on that one."
"You think strides are being made for women in sports (specifically men’s sports) and then you come across some bullsh*t like this," sports broadcaster Kim Adams posted on X.
"Less on Manning — who has a lot to learn as a 22 year old. More on the room’s reaction and the reporter calling the answer 'gold.'"
NBC Sports Giants host Kylen Mills posted, "Can we stop making violence against women the punchline of a joke."
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. https://t.co/w6iGeeIfIk
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) September 15, 2026
Respect is learned from the top down. Looks like some tough lessons coming up in Texas. https://t.co/kR2m7MWDYI
— Allie Berube (@allieberube) September 15, 2026
Manning, the fourth-year quarterback and nephew of two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown to an interception in Texas' 24-23 win over the Buckeyes. The Heisman Trophy hopeful has five passing touchdowns to two interceptions through two games in 2026, his second year as the Longhorns' full-time starter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arch Manning facing backlash for laughing at AI video of Steve Sarkisian, Holly Rowe
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