Sports

Texas QB Arch Manning Breaks Silence On Controversial Holly Rowe Comments

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iStockphoto / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Arch Manning apologized to Holly Rowe.


Arch Manning has broken his silence on comments made about an AI video showing head coach Steve Sarkisian slap sideline reporter Holly Rowe.

He has issued an apology, as did the reporter that initially posted Manning’s response from the press conference.

Instagram / Arch Manning

Arch Manning apologizes for comments about Holly Rowe video.


Arch Manning issues apology for comments about Holly Rowe

Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian had an awkward interaction with Rowe after the Longhorns’ win over Ohio State on Saturday night. He bailed on a postgame interview to celebrate with his team.

Rowe was visibly irritated. After the fact, social media users began creating AI edits of the exchange, one of which showed Sarkisian slapping the reporter.

Arch Manning saw that clip. This was his reaction.

The press conference footage was posted by Evan Vieth of Inside Texas. Manning’s response was framed as being “gold.” Vieth believed Manning’s personality was showing through.

He has since apologized for that framing.

Vieth issued the following statement on social media to take ownership. He says he posted the interview before seeing the actual clip referenced by the Texas passer.

A few hours later, the quarterback issued an apology of his own.

“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.

“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 be better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”

While I think Manning was more laughing at the absurdity of the fake video as opposed to condoning violence against women, the optics are poor. His response was immature, and it’s resulted in heavy criticism.

Some have demanded his NIL partners cut ties. Rowe, meanwhile, seemingly responded to the negative attention with a message about kindness.

She has accepted his online apology.

Texas’s communications team did not address the situation. Its quarterback has. He has apologized to Rowe for his reaction to the fake clip and will use it as a learning experience moving forward.