Arch Manning apology arrived Tuesday on Instagram after the Texas quarterback acknowledged he laughed about an AI-generated video during a media availability, drawing widespread criticism.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” Manning wrote. “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.”
Arch Manning apology addressed to Holly Rowe
The 22-year-old was asked Monday whether he had seen social media edits following Texas’s dramatic win over No. 1 Ohio State. Manning replied that he had watched a few AI clips, then referenced an edit showing coach Steve Sarkisian striking reporter Holly Rowe, calling it “hilarious.” Laughter from several reporters can be heard in video of the exchange posted online.
In his statement, Manning specifically apologized to Rowe. He wrote that he respects her and appreciates her grace, adding that he will be more thoughtful going forward. Rowe replied publicly on Instagram, thanking him and writing, “Apology accepted.” She added that their conversation about the matter would remain private and that they would move forward with respect and kindness.
Viral clip and context from Texas-Ohio State
The brief media moment was widely shared. The reporter who asked Manning about AI edits posted the exchange on social media, calling the answer “gold.” By Tuesday morning, the clip had been viewed more than 20 million times.
The AI video referenced online was created after Saturday’s game, when Sarkisian cut short a traditional postgame interview with Rowe, shouted “Texas fight! Hook ’em!” and ran off. A social media user later produced an AI video falsely depicting Sarkisian turning back to slap Rowe and yelling at the camera. The edit circulated before Manning’s comments, then drew additional attention after his media session.
Broader spotlight on AI edits in sports
AI-generated videos and altered clips have proliferated across major platforms, often blurring lines between parody and misinformation and targeting public figures, including athletes and reporters.
Saturday’s broadcast also showed Sarkisian hurrying away from ESPN’s Laura Rutledge at halftime, saying he had been made to wait too long. Rutledge told viewers he apologized in the moment and blamed a technical delay that followed Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s interview. At the start of the third quarter, ESPN issued a public apology to Sarkisian through Rutledge and accepted responsibility for the technical issues.
Texas rallied from a 20-3 deficit to defeat Ohio State 24-23, the largest comeback of the 21st century against an AP No. 1 team.
For more on how this result fits into the national landscape, see our latest College Football Power Rankings after Week 2 shake-ups.
Texas’s win and the dramatic one-point margin echoed the 24-23 finish seen in Liberty vs Gardner-Webb: Late TD lifts Flames 24-23, another example of razor-thin outcomes reshaping the college football conversation.
