Arch Manning Breaks Silence on Controversial Reaction to AI Video of Texas Coach ‘Slapping’ Reporter
· Yahoo Sports
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NEED TO KNOW
- Arch Manning is apologizing after he laughed about an AI video depicting his Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe
- Manning apologized to Rowe “for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments”
- “I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward,” Manning said
Arch Manning is apologizing to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after he laughed about an AI video that showed her getting slapped by his head coach.
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In a statement shared on his Instagram Stories Tuesday, Sept. 15, Manning wrote, “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, 22, continued, “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.”
Arch Manning on Sept. 14, 2024Credit: Tim Warner/Getty
The ordeal began on Saturday, Sept. 12 when Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian bailed on a postgame interview with Rowe following Texas’ comeback win over Ohio State. The internet quickly reacted to the slight from Sarkisian and a number of AI-generated videos circulated, depicting alternate turnouts to Rowe’s interaction with the head coach.
When Manning spoke to reporters on Monday, he was asked about the moment between Rowe and his head coach. The quarterback said he’s seen AI edits of the moment, and said one particularly “hilarious” edit depicted Rowe being slapped by Sarkisian.
“I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff. I saw an AI edit of Sark, y’all seen that one?,” Manning asked reporters at the podium. “That’s a good one, of him slapping Holly Rowe. It’s hilarious,” said the quarterback.
The comments garnered backlash from fans and members of the media. USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan said, “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.’ And all the laughter in the room accompanying & encouraging him. Will be interesting to hear the explanations/apologies.”
Veteran Fox Sports sideline reporter Laura Okmin didn’t appreciate Manning’s comment either. “If you say things like this into a microphone and laugh enthusiastically in a room full of cameras, I often imagine (and assume) the things that are said in private. Disappointed and infuriated… but never surprised anymore,” Okmin wrote on X.
Read the original article on People