Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the controversy that followed the team’s dramatic 24‑23 comeback victory over Ohio State on Saturday. After the game, Sarkisian ran off the field before ESPN reporter Holly Rowe could ask her first question, shouting, “That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” before heading back to the locker room.
Coach acknowledges lack of patience
Speaking ahead of the Longhorns’ next game against UT SA, Sarkisian said the moment after the win was “a delay” and that he wanted to celebrate with his players. He added, “If hindsight’s 20/20, if I could do it all over again, I would have exuded more patience in that moment and sat through and waited for the interview with Holly.”
Sarkisian also emphasized his long‑standing respect for ESPN and Rowe, noting that they “go way back to even my days of playing at BYU” and that the network remains a valued partner for Texas football.
Arch Manning also apologizes
Following the viral clip, quarterback Arch Manning described the AI‑generated videos that showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe as “hilarious” during a Monday press conference. After backlash, Manning issued a public apology on Tuesday, calling his remarks “insensitive” and promising to be “more thoughtful going forward.” Rowe accepted his apology.
Sarkisian reinforced the program’s stance, stating, “Nowhere do we condone domestic violence or violence against women. Nothing in our program says that nor Arch individually. I think if he could take it back, he would.”
Technical glitch added to the tension
Earlier in the game, ESPN’s Laura Rutledge and the broadcast crew experienced technical difficulties that delayed the post‑game interview. Rutledge was seen sprinting toward the tunnel to catch Sarkisian, only to find he had already entered the locker room. She later acknowledged the coach’s patience during the delay, though the prolonged technical issues contributed to his frustration.
Despite the incident, the Longhorns remain one of the nation’s top‑ranked teams in the AP poll, and the coaching staff says the program is focused on moving forward and preparing for the next contest.
Community reaction
Fans on social media expressed a mix of amusement at the viral clips and disappointment at the perceived disrespect toward a female reporter. Many praised the team’s on‑field resilience while urging the coaching staff to model respectful conduct toward the media.
Both Sarkisian and Manning’s apologies have been widely reported, and the Longhorns’ athletic department reiterated its commitment to sportsmanship, respect for the press, and the values of the university community.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
