Arch Manning’s apology leads to Holly Rowe forgiving Texas QB after press conference comments

Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning found himself in hot water after laughing at an AI video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping veteran reporter Holly Rowe.

The Longhorns' incredible comeback 24-23 win over Ohio State was overshadowed by Sarkisian brushing off Rowe and ending his post-game interview early.

The fallout from that incident led to Texas fans making an AI video of Sarkisian slapping Rowe to end the conversation instead, something Manning found amusing, and now regrets.

Holly Rowe accepts Arch Manning's apology after private conversation

Rowe put an end to the backlash against Manning for his insensitive reaction to the AI video at a press conference by publicly forgiving the 22-year-old after a private conversation.

"Thank you, Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."

Manning shared his apology on social media, accepting the lapse in his judgment, taking accountability for his hurtful reaction to the video, and apologising to Rowe.

"In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. 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. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that."

"I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward."

What did Arch Manning say about Holly Rowe?

Manning was asked about the Sarkisian-Rowe exchange after the win over Ole Miss in a press conference on September 14, where he laughed about an AI video where Sarkisian slaps Rowe.

"I have seen a few AI edits of Sark earlier. Have you seen that one? Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It's hilarious."

The backlash to this comment was bigger than what Sarkisian received for brushing off Rowe as a whole, further magnifying an already inflamed incident between the coach and the reporter.