ESPN host urges Texas quarterback Arch Manning to learn from AI video controversy
ESPN analyst Shae Cornette called on Arch Manning to treat the incident involving an AI-generated video of a coach slapping a reporter as a learning moment after the quarterback faced criticism for laughing about it.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning drew criticism after he laughed while discussing an AI-generated video that depicted head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during a press conference. The incident occurred after the Longhorns’ comeback win over Ohio State, when Sarkisian abruptly left a post-game interview, prompting Rowe’s frustration.
On Wednesday’s edition of "First Take," ESPN host Shae Cornette revisited Manning’s comments. > "When I first heard Arch’s comments and watched that press conference, my initial reaction was, ‘My goodness, how insensitive, how immature,’" Cornette said. > "As the day progressed, I thought, ‘When you have this last name and you play at this university, you have to know better.’"
Cornette emphasized that Manning’s apology, delivered in a text post, should have been more public. > "He’s apologized. He had a conversation with Holly Rowe, which I love. I do wish his apology was vocal, was on video as opposed to in text. But nonetheless, now we move forward. I hope this was a strong learning lesson for him. You don’t need to laugh about a video that promotes violence, especially towards women."
Manning later issued an Instagram Story apology, acknowledging that his remarks were hurtful and expressing respect for Rowe, who accepted the apology and said she would keep their conversation private. > "We move forward with respect and kindness for one another," Rowe wrote.
The Longhorns, currently ranked No. 1 nationally, are set to host UTSA on Saturday night.