Manning apologizes after joking about AI video

Texas quarterback Arch Manning apologized Tuesday for what he called an "insensitive comment" about an AI-edited video that showed his coach, Steve Sarkisian, slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe. The apology came a day after Manning laughed about the video during a press conference, drawing widespread criticism.

Rowe responded publicly, posting on social media: "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." Her statement was carried by multiple outlets, including cleveland.com and WDIV ClickOnDetroit.

The original comment

On Monday, during Texas's weekly media availability, Manning was asked if he had seen social media posts about the Longhorns' postgame celebration after their 24-23 upset win over then-No. 1 Ohio State. Manning said he had seen an AI edit of an interview between Sarkisian and Rowe.

"I've seen a few AI edits of stuff but that's about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview. Have you all seen that one? That's a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe?" Manning said, laughing, as reported by cleveland.com and several other outlets. NBC 5 Chicago reported that the question came from Inside Texas reporter Evan Vieth.

A clip of Manning's remarks, shared on social media by Vieth, quickly drew criticism. According to WDIV ClickOnDetroit and The Globe and Mail, Manning called the fake video "hilarious," and his comments were met with laughter in the room.

Manning's apology

On Tuesday, Manning posted an apology on his Instagram story, which was quoted by multiple outlets, including Newsweek and theScore. He wrote: "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 that."

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."

Vieth, who had described Manning's response as "gold" in a social media post, also apologized. "I sincerely apologize for how I chose to present the tweet, and I'll be more careful going forward," he wrote, as reported by NBC 5 Chicago and The Guardian.

Context: The real postgame exchange

The AI video stemmed from a real postgame exchange between Sarkisian and Rowe. After the game, Rowe attempted to interview Sarkisian, but he repeated "Texas fight!" and "Hook'em!" before walking away, as reported by WDIV ClickOnDetroit and The Globe and Mail. Earlier, Sarkisian had skipped a halftime interview with ESPN's Laura Rutledge, who said technical difficulties on the network's side caused a lengthy delay, according to theScore and NBC 5 Chicago.

An altered clip of that exchange showed Sarkisian striking Rowe on the right side of her face, knocking her down, according to WDIV ClickOnDetroit and WTOP. A Texas spokesperson later said ESPN's technical difficulties played a role in Sarkisian's response, as reported by The Guardian.

Background on Manning

Manning, 22, is in his fourth season at Texas and is the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, as noted by NBC 5 Chicago and The Globe and Mail. He has endorsement deals with Red Bull, Vuori, and Google Gemini, according to WDIV ClickOnDetroit and WTOP. Texas moved from No. 4 to No. 1 in the AP Poll after the win, as reported by theScore and WDIV ClickOnDetroit.