Arch Manning is staring down an absolute avalanche of bad headlines right now, and it all kicked off because he laughed at an insensitive AI-generated video. The video, depicting coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, surfaced right after their incredible comeback win over then-No. 1 Ohio State. This isn’t just some sideline chatter, it’s blowing up, and frankly, the controversy hasn’t disappeared.
Arch Manning Stepped In It, But He Owned It
Manning put himself directly in the crossfire when he called that AI video ‘hilarious’. Yeah, that was immature, no doubt about it. But credit where it’s due: the 22-year-old posted a note on his Instagram story Tuesday, saying he was ‘deeply sorry’. He clearly gets that his ‘words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people,’ especially Holly Rowe herself. Arch has tried to clean up his side of the mess, but let’s be real, the controversy hasn’t disappeared, and the spotlight is still burning bright on him because of it.
Where Is Steve Sarkisian In All This?
The biggest question hanging over this whole situation is, honestly, where the heck is Steve Sarkisian? He blew off his ESPN interview right after the Ohio State game, screaming ‘Texas Fight, Hook ’em!’ before just storming off in celebration. Look, I get the absolute rush of beating the No. 1 team, that’s huge. But he totally missed a massive opportunity right there. Had he, or the program, handled that immediate aftermath with even a shred more professionalism, everyone would still be buzzing about that thrilling comeback over Ohio State, not this avoidable mess. And get this: Sarkisian didn’t even address blowing off that crucial interview during his availability on Monday. Not a word. That’s a silence that speaks volumes.
Time For Sarkisian To Step Up For His Star QB
This is a massive, crucial teachable moment for Manning, absolutely. But it’s also squarely on Sarkisian to show some real leadership and professionalism here. The coach needs to not only protect Manning’s well-being from this public scrutiny but also admit his own fault in how this whole thing escalated. It’s vital for him to relay that proper steps are being taken to ensure his players are more respectful toward the seriousness of violence against women. The New York Times and Good Morning America are already on this story; Sarkisian’s continued silence isn’t making any of it go away. He’s actually routinely defended Manning in the past, so you gotta wonder: why the deafening quiet now? Stepping up and issuing an apology of his own could absolutely take some much-needed heat off Arch. Remember, Laura Rutledge even publicly stated Sarkisian apologized to *them* after declining a halftime interview earlier in the season due to technical issues, showing he *can* be professional and accountable in tough spots. It’s past time for him to do it again, for his player and for the team’s image.
What’s at stake here is way more than just a few bad headlines for Arch Manning. It’s about clear accountability from the top of the program and protecting your guys when they’ve made a mistake. Sarkisian needs to issue an apology of his own and take some oxygen out of this whole, spiraling situation, fast. The focus should absolutely be back on the field, where it belongs, not stuck in this off-field controversy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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