Texas quarterback Arch Manning is under fire for his reaction to a violent artificial intelligence video that depicted his head coach, Steve Sarkisian, striking ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. Manning's response during a press conference on Monday led to widespread criticism online, with some calling his reaction "disgusting."
The incident originated after Texas's victory over No. 1 Ohio State, when Sarkisian cut short an on-field interview with Rowe, shouting "Texas fight. That's called Texas fight. Hook 'Em!" before celebrating with his team. Videos of the exchange circulated, and Manning, when asked about it, admitted to seeing AI-generated spoofs, including one where Sarkisian appeared to slap Rowe.
Manning reportedly laughed and remarked, "Y'all seen that one? That's a good one… of him slapping Holly Rowe. It's hilarious." His comments and the laughter from reporters in the room drew immediate condemnation on social media.
"A revealing & disgusting moment at Texas: Arch Manning, 22, unable to control his laughter while talking about the AI edit of his coach 'slapping Holly Rowe,'" wrote best-selling author Christine Brennan on X. "And all the laughter in the room accompanying & encouraging him."
However, a segment of online users defended Manning, with some expressing increased admiration for him. "I actually like him more now!" one fan posted on X. Another user sarcastically commented, "The best part of sports these days is having women around to tell us not to laugh at stuff."
Separately, ESPN's Laura Rutledge issued an apology to Sarkisian for technical issues that caused the cancellation of his halftime interview. Rutledge clarified that Sarkisian had been patient and had apologized to ESPN, stating that the network owed him an apology.