Overview
- A brief postgame exchange on Sept. 12 in which coach Steve Sarkisian cut short an on-field interview with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe was followed by fan-made AI edits that falsely showed him striking her.
- At a Sept. 14 media availability, quarterback Arch Manning laughed about one of the AI edits and called it "hilarious," a remark that quickly drew public criticism.
- Manning issued a public apology on Sept. 15 specifically to Holly Rowe, who said she accepted his apology after a private conversation, and reporter Evan Vieth also apologized for how he presented the clip.
- On Sept. 17 Coach Sarkisian told reporters he regretted not showing more patience during the postgame interview, attributed part of the moment to broadcast delays, and expressed remorse for how it unfolded.
- The episode has prompted statements of support for Rowe from groups like the Association for Women in Sports Media and renewed attention to how fast AI deepfakes can reshape narratives and create safety and reputational risks for reporters and programs.