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09/17 12:30 CDT Texas' Sarkisian says he could have 'better' handled postgame
interview that spawned fake videos
Texas' Sarkisian says he could have 'better' handled postgame interview that
spawned fake videos
By JIM VERTUNO
AP Sports Writer
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) --- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday he should have
"better" handled his postgame interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after the
win over Ohio State, and acknowledged the testy exchange led to the creation of
fake videos and an apology from star quarterback Arch Manning.
Manning joked publicly about an AI-generated video that showed Sarkisian
slapping Rowe during the interview. Manning apologized the next day for his
remarks and to Rowe specifically. Rowe also posted on social media that she
accepted Manning's apology.
In his weekly conference call with media, Sarkisian noted that his halftime and
postgame interviews with EPSN were delayed, and that he had wanted to join his
team's celebration after the victory.
Some of the public criticism of Manning has also blamed Sarkisian for not
taking a moment to conduct the interview. The short exchange spawned the fake
video that Manning joked about, and several others since the controversy
erupted.
Sarkisian said he should have been more patient and spoken with Rowe.
"Obviously we have a ton of respect for ESPN and for Holly," Sarkisian said.
"We could have handled that situation better with a little bit more patience in
the moment. But that obviously led to the situation with Arch."
Manning's public misstep two days later drew quick and widespread public
criticism directed at one of college football's most prominent players. The
nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of family patriarch Archie
Manning has endorsements with major brands such as Red Bull, Vuori athletic
wear and Google Gemini artificial intelligence, to name a few.
Manning recognized the mistake in his comments, Sarkisian said.
"In no way do we condone domestic violence or violence against women,"
Sarkisian said, adding he believes Manning did not intend anything malicious
when he joked about the fake video.
"At his core, he knows what he believes in and what he stands for," Sarkisian
said.
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