Texas' Steve Sarkisian Addresses Controversy on Holly Rowe, Arch Manning and AI ESPN Video

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on Thursday addressed the recent controversy involving quarterback Arch Manning and an AI video featuring ESPN's Holly Rowe.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sarkisian called the situation an "unfortunate" mistake and that no one involved with the Texas program condones domestic violence or violence against women:

"We know we're going to have more opportunities with that crew covering us, and we're looking forward to those opportunities. So, [I] could have definitely handled that situation better with a little bit more patience in the moment. But that obviously led to the situation with Arch and his press conference as it pertained to the AI video, and obviously Arch recognizes he made a mistake, and it's an unfortunate one. Nowhere do we condone domestic violence or violence against women. Nothing in our program says that nor Arch individually.

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"I think if he could take it back, he would. But he has since apologized to Holly. He's made a public apology, and you know our goal is that we can move forward and him be the guy that that we all know that he is and what he represents."

On the heels of Texas' 24-23 win over Ohio State last weekend, Manning was asked during a press conference on Monday if he had seen any social media posts from the victory.

"I've seen a few AI edits, that's about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview," Manning answered . "Y'all seen that one? That's a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe. It's hilarious."

Amid criticism about those comments, Manning issued an apology to Rowe on his Instagram Story.

Rowe, who was the sideline reporter for ESPN's coverage of the OSU-Texas game, replied on social media by writing that she and Manning had a private conversation about the situation and she accepted his apology.

After Texas' dramatic comeback win that saw it score 21 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 20-point deficit, Rowe attempted to interview Sarkisian on the field. She started to ask a question when Sarkisian yelled, "Let's go, Texas fight! Let's go, Texas, fight!" and put up the "Hook 'Em" sign with his hand before walking away.

It was the second time in the game that an ESPN sideline reporter was unable to get an interview with Sarkisian.

Laura Rutledge attempted to speak to Sarkisian at halftime, but she explained on the broadcast they were having technical issues and he was "very patient" in waiting "a long time" before needing to go the locker room to address his team.

Texas currently has three more games scheduled to air on the ABC/ESPN family of networks this season, including the next two weeks against UTSA (SEC Network) and Tennessee (ABC).