Arch Manning, fresh off leading Texas to the largest comeback win against an Associated Press No. 1 ranked team in three decades, chose a strange time for a laugh during standard media availability. After responding to a question about social media clips, Manning brought up an AI video depicting violence against women, specifically mentioning an “AI edit of Sark’s interview” where Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian slaps ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe, calling it “hilarious.” He laughed. A room full of men laughed with him.
When Laughter Rings Hollow
Manning’s comments came in response to being asked about seeing Texas-Ohio State clips online. He said he’d seen “a few AI edits of stuff,” but then quickly jumped to the Sarkisian-Rowe clip. “Have you all seen that one? That’s a good one,” he reportedly said, igniting howls from his audience as he laughed right alongside them. The image of the “polite and aw-shucks” quarterback openly joking about a video of a man assaulting a woman is genuinely jarring. This wasn’t a quick slip; it was a deliberate mention, followed by open amusement, and a collective laugh track from the room.
The Original Offense We Forgot Too Fast
It’s worth remembering the original incident: Saturday night, after Texas’ massive comeback, Holly Rowe was just trying to do her job. Amid the absolute pandemonium on the field, she was ducking and dodging through the masses to get to Coach Sarkisian for an immediate postgame interview. She started asking her question, and Sarkisian flat out dismissed her, on national TV. Many of us, myself included, were appalled by how Sarkisian represented himself, his program, and the university in that moment. He failed to show basic respect for his title and decency for Rowe doing her work. But, yeah, most people probably forgot about that by Sunday morning. College football rolls fast, and Week 3 prep kicks off immediately.
The Silence That Speaks Volumes
Here’s the thing, I first thought Manning’s whole interaction was an AI video itself. I mean, Arch Manning, joking about violence? But nope, I was wrong. He laughed. Some men in that room laughed. I didn’t. It’s appalling. It’s shameful. And honestly, it makes you angry. Angry because the natural follow-up question , “What’s so funny about an AI video of his head coach slapping a woman?” , wasn’t asked, or at least it never left that room. Where are the male colleagues stepping up for Rowe? Inaction and silence aren’t just cowardly; they are dehumanizing and encourage violence. People who find amusement in a woman being harmed or humiliated, whether real or fake, show a severe lack of empathy.
Texas enters its next game against UTSA as the AP’s No. 1 team, and rightfully, that should be the focus for Manning and the Longhorns. But it isn’t. Not when Arch Manning chose to laugh about an AI video depicting violence against women. This isn’t just about a bad joke; it’s about what we tolerate, and who we allow to get away with it. We deserve better, and so does Holly Rowe.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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