University of Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian had two big things to apologize for as he met with media on Thursday.
Numerous outlets reported Thursday that he apologized for what appeared to be rude exchanges between him and ESPN sideline reporters Laura Rutledge and Holly Rowe last Saturday.
The first came during a halftime interview with Rutledge as technical difficulties arose for Rutledge and the second came with Rowe postgame after fourth-ranked Texas stormed back from a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat No. 1 Ohio State by a point (Texas is now ranked No. 1).
“Obviously, we have a ton of respect for ESPN and Holly,” Sarkisian said. “Holly and I go way back to even to my days of playing at BYU, and we’ve got a great relationship. ESPN is a great partner of ours.
“We know we’re going to have more opportunities with that crew covering us, and we’re looking forward to those opportunities. So, could have definitely handled that situation better with a little bit more patience in the moment.”
Second, Sarkisian apologized for an interaction his starting quarterback, Arch Manning, had with reporters on Monday about an AI-generated video that showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe. During the interaction, both Manning and a number of reporters were seen or heard laughing about the video, with Manning calling it “hilarious.”
Said Sarkisian: “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. I think if he could take it back, he would.
“He has since apologized to Holly. He’s made a public apology, and you know our goal is that we can move forward with him being the guy that we all know he is and what he represents.”
Manning wrote on his Instagram story Tuesday, “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.”
Rowe publicly responded to Manning on Instagram, writing, “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.”
Rowe had posted on social media that her mother died on Aug. 30, and she posted that the burial was on Wednesday.