Watch: Peyton Manning’s Nephew Arch Manning Addresses Laughing at AI Video of Texas Coach Slapping Reporter
Arch Manning is taking accountability.
The college football star, who plays for the Texas Longhorns, gave ESPN reporter Holly Rowe a public apology after laughing at an AI video of the journalist being slapped by his coach Steve Sarkisian during a press conference.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” the quarterback wrote in a Sept. 15 statement shared to Instagram Stories. “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.”
The 22-year-old—son of television host Cooper Manning and nephew of NFL icons Peyton Manning and Eli Manning—had called the “hilarious” faked video “a good one” when discussing his favorite fan edits spawned from his team’s big win over Ohio State days before, per footage of the Sept. 14 media session.
As such, Arch admittedly regretted how his lighthearted reaction to the inappropriate video impacted Holly.
“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments,” he continued. “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.”
In response, the sports analyst shared where she stood with the athlete in light of his apology.
“Thank you, Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this—which will remain private,” she posted on X. “Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For Coach Sarkisian’s part, he has not publicly weighed in on Arch’s reaction to the AI edit—which generated an imaginary alternative ending to his real-life interview with the reporter on the field at the Sept. 12 game. During the exchange on ESPN, the coach cut her off mid-sentence by chanting Longhorns’ battle cry, “Texas Fight, hook ’em,” before abruptly walking off.
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