On Tuesday, Texas QB Arch Manning apologized for laughing at an AI video of ESPN reporter Holly Rowe getting slapped by his head coach.
“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,” he wrote in his Instagram Story yesterday.
“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.”
Holly Rowe accepted Manning’s apology, revealing that she had a private conversation with the Texas signal-caller – which she pledged to keep private – and respects him for it.
“Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this – which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another,” she wrote on her own Instagram Story.
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Shae Cornette Speaks Up
On Wednesday, ESPN First Take host Shae Cornette decided that the show needed to have the real last word on the matter. She declared that she hopes this incident becomes a “strong learning lesson” for Manning and admonished him for laughing at a video promoting violence towards women.
“I do hope this was a strong learning lesson for him. You don’t need to be laughing about a video that promotes violence, especially towards women,” Cornette said.
© Nadia Zomorodian/News-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
College football fans feel that Cornette trying to scold Manning over the incident may have been too far though:
“Was it an incredible dumb thing to laugh at. Yes. Is this being blown way out of proportion. Also yes,” one user remarked on X.
“Oh stop! It was fake and a giggle. Peyton Manning was seen in commercials knocking out kids with a football and we all laughed. People are getting weak!” wrote another.
“We live in a world of AI slop. Arch didn’t make that video or have anything to do with it until reporters asked him about it. This is just like the US Olympic men’s hockey team.. we need to stop policing people’s reactions to a situation they didn’t put themselves in,” a third wrote.
“Glorifying violence is wrong! -me, yelling at a 4 year old watching Looney Tunes.”
Maybe we’re at a point where the “discourse” over the issue is overblown.
At any rate, the matter now seems to be resolved among the relevant parties.
