# Arch Manning says sorry to Holly Rowe

> A quarterback's one-line joke about an AI clip turned into a public apology, and a reporter's quiet reply.
- Title: Arch Manning says sorry to Holly Rowe · Texas Longhorns On SI
- Summary: A quarterback's one-line joke about an AI clip turned into a public apology, and a reporter's quiet reply. Laughing along with an AI fake still costs the…
- Keywords: arch manning, holly rowe, texas football, ai video, apology, sports, Arch, Manning, sorry, Holly, Rowe, Texas Longhorns On SI
- Source: Texas Longhorns On SI — https://si.com/college/texas/football/arch-manning-apologizes-to-holly-rowe-after-controversial-comments
- Published: 2026-09-15T18:31:13+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: arch manning, holly rowe, texas football, ai video, apology, sports
## The apology lands
Texas quarterback Arch Manning posted on Instagram apologizing for comments he made at Monday's press conference. He had gone quiet since.
## What he actually said
Asked about an AI-generated video showing coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, Manning laughed it off with four words.

> that was a good one
## Nothing funny about it
In the post he called the remark insensitive and refused the easy exit of saying he didn't mean it.

> 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.
## Naming the person hurt
He singled out Rowe specifically, pointing at what she personally absorbed because of his joke rather than apologizing to the internet at large.

> I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments.
## Grace behind the scenes
Manning said Rowe showed him grace privately and that he owes her better. He promised to be more thoughtful going forward.

> I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.
## Rowe answers publicly
She posted back on Instagram, thanked him, and closed the matter in a few lines.

> Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.
## The rest stays private
Rowe said the two had a conversation about the situation and that it will stay between them. No details, no drip feed.

> I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private.
## Where the video came from
After the Texas-Ohio State game, Sarkisian skipped his postgame interview with Rowe on ABC, threw up a Hook 'Em, and joined the team to sing the Eyes of Texas. The clip went viral, then someone faked a worse version.
## The game underneath it
Manning had just led a 24-23 comeback over then-No. 1 Ohio State in Austin, going 23 of 37 for 195 yards with a touchdown and a pick.
## Twenty points down
Texas trailed 23-3 entering the fourth. Manning ran three drives of 10-plus plays, Hollywood Smothers tied it from a yard out with 25 seconds left, and Gianni Spetic's extra point won it.
## Next up
No. 1 Texas hosts UTSA on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT, with the apology settled and the season still in front of them.
## Key takeaway

Laughing along with an AI fake still costs the real person in it, and Manning owned that within a day.