Sarkisian takes blame for ESPN interview that sparked Manning uproar — SkimNews
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- Steve Sarkisian acknowledged Thursday he should have exuded more patience during his postgame ESPN interview with Holly Rowe after Texas's win over Ohio State, saying with hindsight he would have sat through and waited for the interview.
- Sarkisian said the testy exchange with Rowe directly led to the creation of AI-generated fake videos and Arch Manning's subsequent public apology.
- Arch Manning joked Monday about an AI video showing Sarkisian slapping Rowe, calling it "hilarious," then apologized Tuesday on social media, writing "I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people" and that he was "deeply sorry."
- Holly Rowe posted on social media Tuesday that she and Manning had discussed his comment and she accepted his apology.
- Sarkisian noted his halftime and postgame ESPN interviews were delayed and he had wanted to join his team's victory celebration, while stressing he has a "great relationship" with Rowe.
- Sarkisian explicitly condemned the depicted behavior, saying "In no way do we condone domestic violence or violence against women," but added he believed Manning did not intend anything malicious and that "at his core, he knows what he believes in."
Why it matters: Manning's misstep drew quick and widespread criticism aimed at one of college football's most prominent players, and Sarkisian is now publicly absorbing blame by saying his own impatience set the chain in motion. The episode shows how AI-generated fakes can weaponize a single awkward TV moment into a viral controversy within hours, even when both the coach and reporter say their relationship is intact.
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