In a week of controversy for Texas quarterback Arch Manning, one ESPN host implores he learn from his mistake and be better going forward.
Manning came under fire when he smiled and laughed during a press conference earlier this week as he talked about watching an AI-generated video that showed Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
On Wednesday’s edition of “First Take,” host Shae Cornette wanted to circle back to Manning’s initial attitude toward the AI video in which Rowe was hit.
“I do hope this was a strong learning lesson for him. You don’t need to be laughing about a video that promotes violence, especially towards women” – Shae Cornette on Arch Manning pic.twitter.com/twwxVWZy9H
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 16, 2026
at the North Javits Center in New York on May 12, 2026. Variety via Getty Images
“When I first had heard Arch’s comments and watched that press conference, my initial reaction was, ‘My goodness, how insensitive, how immature,’” Cornette said. “And kind of, quite frankly, like, how dare he say that, especially about Holly and the way he was laughing about it.
“As the day progressed, I thought to myself, ‘OK, when you have this last name and you play at this university, and you wear that on your sleeve every day, you have to know better.’ And maybe that’s unfair given his age and his immaturity level still, and what he’s going through at his age. But that is just the reality of the situation that comes with it.”
Cornette said the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning should not have been laughing at the video depicting violence.
“He’s apologized. He had a conversation with Holly Rowe, which I love,” Cornette said. “Now, I do wish his apology was vocal, was on video as opposed to in text. But nonetheless, now we move forward. But what I do hope is, obviously, this was a very strong learning lesson for him. You don’t necessarily need to be laughing about a video that promotes violence, especially towards women. And so Arch hopefully will do better.”
Sarkisian and Rowe made headlines after the Longhorns’ dramatic comeback win over Ohio State on Saturday when the coach essentially blew off a postgame interview when he shouted, “That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” He then walked away toward his celebrating team as a clearly frustrated Rowe went off camera.
On Monday, Manning talked about the incident and AI-edited video with the assembled media in Austin.
“I’ve seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that’s about it. I saw AI edits of Sark’s interview,” Manning said, which elicited laughter in the room.
“Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one,” Manning added with a smile and laugh. “Of him slapping Holly Rowe? That’s hilarious.”
Manning swiftly met backlash across the sports world and social media, prompting him to apologize Tuesday. Manning also apologized directly to Rowe, who accepted.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an Al video,” Manning wrote Tuesday in an Instagram Story. “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 said she appreciated Manning’s apology and that she will keep the contents of their conversation private.
“We move forward with respect and kindness for one another,” the veteran reporter wrote on her social media Tuesday.
Texas, now the No. 1 team in the nation, will next host UTSA on Saturday night.
