Sports

Steve Sarkisian Issues Apology As Texas Reveals Speech That Forced Coach To Blow Off ESPN

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USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Steve Sarkisian apologized to Holly Rowe.


Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian apologized for blowing off an ESPN interview after a win over Ohio State. It was one of two situations in which he failed to give the network an on-air response.

He said he should’ve exuded more patience amid technical difficulties. With that said, there was a game to coach, and emotions ran high after the Longhorns‘ victory.

Sarkisian provided some clarity with a direct apology to Holly Rowe. It should all but end the drama that’s been trending online.

Steve Sarkisian blew off Holly Rowe.

At the end of the Texas-Ohio State football game, Rowe tried to grab Sarkisian for an interview. Rather than stick around for a conversation, he gave a brief message before running into the locker room. He took no questions.

That interaction quickly went viral and eventually got his quarterback in trouble. Arch Manning saw AI edits of the exchange, one of which showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe before running off the field. He found it amusing.

While he was likely laughing at the absurdity of the clip, and not to the act of violence itself, he received backlash.

Some demanded his sponsors cut ties. Rowe showed him grace.

Manning apologized for his response earlier this week. Sarkisian did the same for his role in the drama on Thursday.

The coach offered an apology and some clarity.

He explained his absence from a halftime interview, which was linked to technical difficulties. After waiting a few moments with Laura Rutledge, he exited the field to the locker room.

At the time, his team trailed 20-3. He couldn’t wait any longer. The social media team showed a clip from his subsequent halftime speech. It was necessary he leave the interview to motivate his team.

Texas eventually came back to win, 24-23. Steve Sarkisian was set to provide his interview with Holly Rowe. Further technical difficulties forced another delay.

Excited to celebrate with his team, he cut the questioning short to enter the locker room.

 Hindsight’s 20/20, if I could do it all over again, I would have exuded more patience in that moment and and and sat through and waited for the interview with Holly. Obviously, we have a ton of respect for ESPN and Holly. Holly and I go way back to even to my days of playing at BYU, and we’ve got a great relationship. ESPN is a great partner of ours.

-Steve Sarkisian

Sarkisian regrets the way he left. He noted the SEC’s partnership with ESPN, as well as his relationship with Rowe.

The apology should allow everyone to put the moment in the past. Sarkisian can look ahead to the future with the Longhorns taking on UTSA this Saturday before conference play.