Overview
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian briefly cut off a live postgame interview with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe after Texas' comeback win, a moment widely shared from the Sept. 12 game.
- AI-edited videos that falsely showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe circulated on platforms such as TikTok and X and quickly went viral, turning an awkward exchange into a fabricated assault.
- On Monday, Sept. 14, quarterback Arch Manning said he had seen the AI edit, called the version showing a slap “hilarious,” and laughter from people in the media room was audible on the recording.
- Journalists and public figures condemned Manning and the reporters who laughed, and as of the latest reports neither Manning nor the Texas program had issued a public apology or formal clarification.
- The episode has sharpened debate over sideline treatment of female reporters, how deepfakes amplify harassment, and the need for clearer accountability from athletes, teams and social platforms.