Arch Manning addresses Steve Sarkisian-Holly Rowe interaction, sparks fresh criticism
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Texas quarterback Arch Manning joked about an AI-altered video showing coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during a brief postgame interview, calling it "hilarious."
- The actual interaction between Sarkisian and Rowe was very brief, with Sarkisian interrupting Rowe and enthusiastically cheering "Hook 'Em!" before walking off after Texas' win over Ohio State.
- Technical difficulties during ESPN's broadcast reportedly contributed to Sarkisian's abrupt behavior, as confirmed by a Texas spokesperson and ESPN's Laura Rutledge.
- Sarkisian declined to address the incident during his Monday news conference, and the topic was not raised before Manning's comments, which sparked criticism online.
- Neither Texas nor ESPN provided further comments on the incident following the social media backlash.
