Fox Sports condemns Arch Manning’s reaction to violent AI video
The Texas quarterback later apologised to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after laughing about a fabricated clip depicting coach Steve Sarkisian assaulting her.
Fox Sports has criticised Texas quarterback Arch Manning after he laughed and called “hilarious” an AI-generated video depicting coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
Manning discussed the six-second fabricated clip during Texas’ weekly media availability on 14 September, following the team’s reported 24–23 comeback win over Ohio State. The video portrayed a fictional assault and was not a recording of a real incident.
The Fox Sports commentary also condemned the men who laughed along with Manning and called for greater accountability and empathy over jokes depicting violence against women.
The discussion followed a real post-match exchange in which Rowe attempted to interview Sarkisian and the coach dismissed her. Fox Sports said that episode had raised concerns about how Sarkisian represented himself, his programme and the University of Texas.
Retrieved reports said Manning later apologised to Rowe, who reportedly accepted the apology. The precise wording and timing of that apology were not provided in the source material.
Fox Sports said the incident had shifted attention away from Texas’ preparations for its next game, arguing that reactions to depictions of violence against women require more serious scrutiny from players and those around them.
