Emmanuel Acho Defends Arch Manning Over AI Clip Remark After Texas' 24-23 Ohio State Win
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 15
Emmanuel Acho Defends Arch Manning Over AI Clip Remark After Texas' 24-23 Ohio State Win
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 15
Summary
Emmanuel Acho said criticism of Arch Manning had gone too far after the Texas quarterback laughed about a fake AI clip showing coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
On his Tuesday podcast, Acho said Manning should not have joked about the clip but was not someone who should be "crucified," urging critics to call him out and educate him instead.
The controversy grew from Texas' 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State, when Sarkisian abruptly ended a live postgame interview with Rowe to celebrate, spawning viral AI-edited memes online.
Manning made the remark two days later when asked about celebration videos, adding scrutiny as the 22-year-old leads a Texas team now ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches polls.
Texas is 2-0 and hosts UTSA in Week 3, with Manning likely to stay under a brighter spotlight as the face of a national-title contender.