Saturday was a good day for Texas quarterback Arch Manning. Monday was not. On Tuesday, he took steps to rectify an unforced error. Via ESPN, Manning apologized for making an “insensitive comment” about an AI video showing Texas coach Steve Sarkisian violently slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. At a Monday news conference, Manning was asked if he had seen any fan clips from the comeback win over Ohio State. “I’ve seen some edits of AI stuff, but that’s it,” Manning said. “I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Have you seen that one? It’s good. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.” The comment sparked a backlash, given the jarring video of Sarkisian punching Rowe. Manning posted his apology on social media. “In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” Manning said. “There’s nothing funny about this. 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 don’t take it lightly and I’m deeply sorry. “I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she personally has had to deal with because of my comments. I have great respect for you and appreciate you showing me grace at this time. I need to do better and I will be more thoughtful in the future.” Rowe accepted Manning’s apology. The raw video was bizarre in itself. Sarkisian waited to be interviewed by Rowe and stormed off before she could ask a question.
