Texas’ No. 1 quarterback is getting slammed online for making fun of an artificial intelligence video depicting Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
The fake video, which Arch Manning called “hilarious,” stemmed from a viral moment between Sarkisian and Rowe on the field after the Longhorns defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 12.
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Rowe’s would-be post-game interview with Sarkisian was cut short while she was asking her first question, and he replied, “Texas fight, hook ’em,” into the mic before running back to celebrate with his team. Manning, who led Texas to the 24-23 comeback win, was asked about the interaction during a news conference on Monday, September 14, to which he replied, “I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff, but that’s about it.”
He went on to say he “saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview” and asked reporters in the room who laughed alongside him if they had seen the video too.
“That’s a good one of him slapping Holly Rowe,” Manning said with a laugh. “That’s hilarious.”
A clip of Manning’s words from the press conference quickly circulated online with hundreds of fans calling for him to apologize and defending Rowe, sparking a larger conversation about violence against women in real life and AI. More recently, a Callaway Golf x Good Good Golf ad featuring co-founder Garrett Clark shoving golfer Alexis Miestowski for touching his driver was met with equal backlash for its violent connotations that resulted in the golf brand ending their contract with the YouTube channel.
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“It’s telling how many people use AI to show violence against women. Somehow always their first thought,” said Threads user erinwithonet under a post. “If it’s funny, then what’s the joke? Explain it like I’m five. What happens here that is humorous?”
Other Threads users like theheatherashley agreed writing, “When abuse against women is “comedic” content – we’re not discussing what’s funny anymore. We’re discussing the present danger women are in.” Cyndybethm added, “@texasfootball Your QB stepped in it deep. Make sure your program and Arch apologize to @sportsiren [Holly Rowe].”
Some agreed with Manning in the comments that the video was funny and not serious, like X user , @BadenCurnz who said, “Guys I think Arch was laughing at the absurdity of the AI video not the fact that it’s funny to hit women.” Inside Texas reporter Evan Vieth, who asked Manning about the edits of Sarkisian and Rowe’s encounter after the game on social media on Monday, called his answer “gold.”
