Sarkisian Faces Backlash for Skipping Apology as Manning, 22, Absorbs Fallout
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Sep 16
Sarkisian Faces Backlash for Skipping Apology as Manning, 22, Absorbs Fallout
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Sep 16
Summary
Steve Sarkisian has drawn criticism for not apologizing after brushing past ESPN’s Holly Rowe postgame, leaving Texas quarterback Arch Manning to shoulder much of the controversy.
Arch Manning, 22, intensified the backlash by calling an AI-generated video of Sarkisian slapping Rowe “hilarious,” then posted an Instagram apology Tuesday saying he was “deeply sorry,” especially to Rowe.
Sarkisian did not address the incident during his Monday availability after yelling “Texas Fight, Hook ’em!” and storming off following Texas’ comeback win over then-No. 1 Ohio State.
ESPN context complicates the episode: Laura Rutledge said Sarkisian had been patient during halftime technical issues, declined that interview only after waiting, and later apologized to the network.
The dispute has shifted attention from Texas’ marquee win to questions about Sarkisian’s handling of players and whether he should now step in publicly to defuse pressure on his star quarterback.