Just days after pulling off the biggest win of his career, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is at the center of a massive online firestorm, all thanks to a controversial comment about an AI-created video. Manning, coming off a stunning comeback victory over No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday, met with reporters on Monday afternoon. But it was his casual joke about a specific AI-generated clip, not the game, that landed him in some serious hot water.
The “Hilarious” Comment That Blew Up Online
The whole mess kicked off when Texas reporter Evan Vieth shared Manning’s comments online. Manning, speaking to the press, joked about an AI-created video that showed head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. When asked if he had seen any social posts from the postgame celebration, Manning replied, “I’ve seen a few AI edits, that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe. It’s hilarious.” This comment sparked immediate backlash, not just for Manning, but also for a collection of Longhorns writers who were caught laughing along with him in the clip.
The Original Sarkisian-Rowe Drama
To understand why this AI video hit a nerve, you have to remember the viral moments from Saturday’s ESPN broadcast. Rowe’s attempted interviews with Sarkisian during the Ohio State game were already generating buzz. At the end of the first half, Sarkisian was supposed to answer questions from Rowe on the sideline. Instead, cameras showed him jogging up the stairs to the locker room. ESPN’s Laura Rutledge clarified later that Sarkisian had waited a long time, patiently dealing with technical issues, before deciding to leave. She even said Sarkisian apologized, and ESPN should apologize to him.
Then, after the epic fourth-quarter comeback, Rowe found Sarkisian on the field for a postgame interview. She barely got a question out before Sarkisian interrupted her, yelling, “Let’s go, Texas fight! Let’s go, Texas fight!” into the microphone, adding “Hook ‘Em!” before walking away. Those clips were already trending. The AI video just cranked up the discomfort.
The Fallout: No Laughing Matter
The reaction to Manning’s comments was swift and brutal. Vieth’s clip from the press conference exploded, racking up over 19 million views in under 24 hours. From fellow reporters to women in sports and many supporting Holly Rowe, the criticism poured in. NBC Sports broadcaster Kim Adams didn’t hold back, writing, “You think strides are being made for women in sports (specifically men’s sports) and then you come across some bulls— like this.” Adams was a bit softer on Manning, a 22-year-old with “a lot to learn,” but her frustration, and that of many others, was clearly aimed at the room’s reaction to the “hilarious” comment. Manning is prepping for Week 3 right now, but this controversy isn’t just going away. The spotlight just got a whole lot hotter for the young quarterback, and not for a good reason.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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