Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has apologised for laughing about a digitally altered video appearing to show coach Steve Sarkisian slapping reporter Holly Rowe.
Manning made the comment during a press conference on Monday, 14 September, when he was asked whether he had seen fan-edited clips from Texas’s comeback win on social media.
He said he had watched a clip of Sarkisian and Rowe and described it as “hilarious”. The edited footage showed the coach striking Rowe, who then falls to the ground.
The original video, recorded after Saturday’s game, shows Rowe interviewing Sarkisian before he abruptly walks away after answering: “Texas fitht. Hooke em!”
On Tuesday, Manning addressed his remarks in an Instagram story, saying he had made “an insensitive comment” and acknowledging that “there is nothing funny about it”.
“It’s easy to say I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people,” he wrote. “I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”
Manning specifically apologised to Rowe for what she had personally experienced as a result of his comments. He added that he respected her, appreciated her “showing me grace” and needed to be more thoughtful in future.
Rowe reposted the apology and said she had spoken privately with Manning about the matter.
“Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this- which will remain private,” she wrote. “Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
