Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum rip Steve Sarkisian for snubbing Holly Rowe interview

Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum rip Steve Sarkisian for snubbing Holly Rowe interview

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Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum rip Steve Sarkisian for snubbing Holly Rowe interview

The college football world watched one specific matchup in Week 2 that had been circled on the calendar since last year. Ohio State and Texas had a score to settle after the Buckeyes embarrassed the Longhorns in last season’s College Football Playoff. Texas got its revenge with a thrilling, historic comeback that helped this highly anticipated contest live up to the hype.

However, just as notable was the behavior of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian after the game.

Following Texas’ dramatic victory, ESPN’s Holly Rowe approached Sarkisian for an instant reaction interview. Sarkisian, however, blew off Rowe and walked away from the interview.

MORE: Steve Sarkisian sends defiant message after leading Texas past Ohio State in historic stunner

Two prominent ESPN analysts, Stephen A. Smith and Paul Finebaum, ripped Sarkisian for treating one of the best sideline reporters in the business that way. Stephen A. Smith addressed the situation on First Take.

Stephen A. Smith and Paul Finebaum were not impressed with Steve Sarkisian skipping out on Holly Rowe's postgame interview.

"There's nobody better in the industry, and he treated her like trash." pic.twitter.com/gCORyStCFA

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 14, 2026

ESPN colleagues defend Rowe

“You do the damn interview. You are a grown a– man … You are a grown up. If it were a player, we would’ve called out the player,” Stephen A. Smith said. “You are the head coach of the damn school–the head coach! Do the interview, you understand?”

ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum didn’t hold back either. In fact, he took things a step further.

“Stephen A., I appreciate you saying that about Holly Rowe. Because there’s nobody better in the industry, and he treated her like trash. And she has done more for this sport than Steve Sarkisian, I promise you that,” Finebaum said.

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Sarkisian needs to lead by example

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks across the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks across the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

It’s understandable that this game was an emotional, high-intensity matchup that had Sarkisian fired up. Texas had just erased a 20-point deficit against a recent national champion. The win also carried significant meaning after last season’s loss.

Still, Sarkisian holds a position that requires him to represent more than himself. As the head coach of one of college football’s most historic programs, he has to understand that his actions will receive scrutiny, especially immediately following a nationally televised game.

Coaches can be emotional. They can be frustrated. They can even have moments when they would rather not speak to the media. But there is a difference between having an emotional reaction and dismissing a reporter who is simply doing her job.

Granted, it wasn’t quite the infamous “so quit asking” moment Nick Saban had years ago, but it still wasn’t a good look. Sarkisian had every right to celebrate Texas’ comeback, but leading by example also means handling those moments with professionalism.

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