Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has found himself at the centre of controversy following remarks he made regarding a satirical AI-generated video. The clip, which depicted ESPN reporter Holly Rowe being slapped by Manning’s head coach, Steve Sarkisian, has drawn criticism from fans and media alike, leading to discussions about appropriate conduct in sports and the portrayal of women.
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The incident unfolded after Texas secured a notable comeback victory over Ohio State on September 12, 2026. Coach Sarkisian notably avoided a post-match interview with Rowe, prompting the circulation of various AI videos that reimagined the interaction between the two. Among these was one particularly striking video that showed Sarkisian making a mock slap at Rowe, thus igniting the debate around it.
When questioned by reporters about these AI edits, Manning, 22, commented that he found the video of the slap “hilarious.” His remark was met with immediate backlash. In a press conference, he asked his peers if they had seen the edits, before laughingly stating, “That’s a good one, of him slapping Holly Rowe. It’s hilarious.” This response was perceived by many as insensitive, particularly in a time when discussions around violence against women are growing more prominent.
Social media reacted swiftly, with users expressing their disappointment in Manning’s comments. One Twitter user noted, “I’ll get flack for not being able to take a joke, but it makes me sad that we live in a society where a man slapping a woman is funny.” Another simply stated, “This isn’t funny at all.” Such sentiments reflect a broader concern regarding the normalisation of violence in humour, especially in relation to gender dynamics.
Esteemed sports journalist Christine Brennan of USA Today also weighed in on the situation, highlighting it as a “revealing and disgusting moment” within the Texas sporting community. Her critique pointed to the laughter from those around Manning during the exchange, suggesting that it reflected a troubling culture. “Will be interesting to hear the explanations/apologies,” she added, signalling that the fallout may not end with the initial comments.
Laura Okmin, a veteran sideline reporter for Fox Sports, echoed similar concerns, expressing disappointment and a sense of foreboding regarding such attitudes. Writing on X, she stated, “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.” Her comments suggest a belief that such an attitude extends beyond just a moment of poor judgement.
Dan Wolken from Yahoo Sports commented on the implications of Manning’s youth, suggesting that while he might deserve some leeway, he would likely regret his flippant remarks in the future. Nicole Auerbach from NBC Sports highlighted the atmosphere in the press room during Manning’s comments, pinpointing the laughter from male colleagues as “so gross.” This observation suggests a need for introspection within sports journalism about the messages being conveyed in shared spaces.
As Manning continues his tenure at Texas, having redshirted his freshman year, he remains a key figure in college football and is tipped as a potential first draft pick in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft. The incident raises important questions regarding public figures’ responsibilities, especially in relation to jokes that trivialise serious issues. It remains to be seen how both Manning and the Texas Longhorns organisation will respond to the growing discontent surrounding this incident.
With the spotlight upon him, Manning’s future interactions and statements will likely be scrutinised more closely. As conversations continue around the role of humour in sports, particularly relating to subjects of violence and gender, it seems essential for athletes and those around them to foster an environment of respect and sensitivity.