Politixia
Arch Manning released a social media statement Tuesday apologizing for saying he found an AI video of Steve Sarkisian slapping a female ESPN reporter “hilarious.“
In his statement, Manning said that he made an “insensitive comment” and specifically apologized to Holly Rowe, who he said had shown him “grace in this moment.” Rowe tried to interview Sarkisian after Texas’ comeback 24-23 win over Ohio State, but Sarkisian didn’t want to stay for the interview.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” Manning’s apology said. “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.
“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. 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 a social media post of her own, Rowe said that she accepted Manning’s apology and that the details of their conversation would remain private as they “move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
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The Association for Women in Sports Media also released a statement backing Rowe following Manning’s apology.
“Holly Rowe exemplifies the professionalism and integrity that AWSM strives to support and celebrate,” the organization’s statement said.
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“In the aftermath of Arch Manning’s apology, we encourage all teams to remind players and staff that women in sports media deserve respect, and the normalization of violence against women in any capacity is not acceptable.”
The postgame moment between Rowe and Sarkisian went viral in the hours after Texas’ win given Sark’s eagerness to leave and Rowe’s frustrated expression after he did so.
It also happened after Sarkisian didn’t speak with ESPN at halftime of the game. At the start of the third quarter, a report from Laura Rutledge, ESPN’s other sideline reporter at the game, explained that technical issues on ESPN’s end caused Sarkisian to wait around at halftime before he went back to the locker room.
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Manning’s remark that the video was funny came after he was asked at his Monday news conference if he had seen any artificially-edited clips of the moment. And as soon as Manning said what he said, it was only a matter of time before he issued an apology.
The Longhorns moved to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 with the win after they scored 21 straight points in the fourth quarter. Texas trailed 23-3 at one point in the second half before the extra point after Hollywood Smothers’ touchdown with 25 seconds to go gave the team the lead. Texas plays UTSA on Saturday in Week 3 before a Week 4 trip to Tennessee.
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