A Slap Was A.I., Not the Disrespect Or Rude Laughter

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

After the University of Texas upset No. 1 Ohio State, head coach Steve Sarkisian declined a postgame interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, leading to criticism and the circulation of a fabricated AI video falsely depicting violence against her. The controversy deepened when quarterback Arch Manning made light of the fake clip before apologizing, while a Republican candidate’s racially charged comments about the Texas football crowd further fueled discussions on respect, media professionalism, and social tensions in college football.

In the wake of the University of Texas Longhorns' 24-23 upset victory over No. 1 Ohio State, a series of incidents involving key figures in the football program and associated media drew widespread attention and criticism. The events unfolded at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and highlighted tensions around respect, professionalism, and social attitudes within college football and broader Texas political discourse.

Following the Longhorns’ first home win over a top-ranked team in 76 years, head coach Steve Sarkisian faced backlash after an on-field interview with sideline reporter Holly Rowe of ESPN/ABC. Rowe, a celebrated journalist honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2023, attempted to conduct a postgame interview, but Sarkisian, citing technical difficulties despite a ready broadcast setup, declined to engage substantively. Instead, he briefly shouted "Texas fight!" into the camera and abruptly ended the interaction, leaving many to question his professionalism during a significant media obligation tied to multimillion-dollar TV contracts supporting the sport.

The incident was further complicated by the circulation of an artificial intelligence-generated video that depicted Sarkisian slapping Rowe, an act of violence which did not actually occur. While the video was fabricated, the coach’s dismissive behavior toward Rowe had occurred in reality, prompting discussions about respect toward media professionals in college athletics.

The tension continued when Texas quarterback Arch Manning commented on the AI video during a Monday media availability, prompting laughter from reporters in the room. Manning referred to the edit—showing a fake slap involving the coach and Rowe—as “hilarious,” a remark that sparked criticism given the serious nature of the imagery. Manning later issued a public apology for his comments, expressing regret for any offense caused to Rowe and acknowledging the impact of his words.

Adding to the day’s controversies, Bo French, a Republican candidate seeking a position on Texas’s oil and gas regulatory commission, posted remarks on social media expressing disapproval of the demographic makeup of the Texas football crowd, lamenting the presence of minority fans and graduates. French’s comments were widely condemned, including by members of his own party.

In response to mounting criticism, both the reporter who shared the Manning video and Manning himself apologized for their roles in the incident, emphasizing accountability and respect for those affected. Meanwhile, the broader dialogue underscored ongoing challenges at the intersection of sports, media, and social attitudes, particularly regarding treatment of women journalists and the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in media representations.

While the AI-generated clip was false, the real actions and attitudes displayed reflected persistent issues within the collegiate sports environment and state politics. Together, these events underscore the complexities surrounding public conduct, media relations, and cultural sensitivities in high-profile athletic settings.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.