Texas quarterback Arch Manning is taking full accountability for what he said during Monday’s press conference.
Manning played a pivotal role in Texas’ comeback win over Ohio State this past weekend, completing 23-of-37 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After the Longhorns won 24-23, head coach Steve Sarkisian refused to do a postgame interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
It’s unclear why Sarkisian stormed away from Rowe, but fans thought it was acceptable to make AI videos of them fighting.
“I have seen a few AI edits of Sark earlier, but that’s about it,” Manning said while laughing. “Have you seen that one? Of him slapping Holly Rowe.”
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Less than 24 hours later, Manning apologized for laughing at that AI-generated video of Rowe and Sarkisian.
“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,” Manning wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Will this apology end all this drama?
Manning received plenty of backlash from football fans and media members, including former ESPN colleague Cindy Brunson.
“She’s one of the best in the business. Oh, and she helped me after she had recently been diagnosed with cancer as well and clearly was in the thick of the fight,” Brunson said. “Trust me when I tell you, if you have found any of the mocking Holly has endured online since the Longhorns game funny, shame on you.”
Only time will tell if Manning will win back the public’s support. For now though, he’s under heavy fire.
