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Texas Coach Sarkisian Addresses Controversy Over Rowe Interaction
Confirmed
In Short: Steve Sarkisian expressed regret for his brief postgame interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe after Texas' dramatic win over Ohio State.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the controversy surrounding his interaction with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe following the Longhorns' 24-23 victory over Ohio State. Sarkisian acknowledged that he could have shown more patience during the postgame interview delay, which occurred after he had led his team to a 21-point comeback.
Sarkisian told local reporters, via On Texas Football's CJ Vogel, that he wanted to celebrate with his team immediately after the game. 'There was a delay after I greeted Coach Day in the middle of the field,' Sarkisian said. 'I wanted to go celebrate with our team. We just had a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback against the No. 1 team in the country.
The controversy began when technical issues delayed Sarkisian's interview with Laura Rutledge in the first half. Trailing 20-3 at the time, Sarkisian left the interview to speak to his team. ESPN cameras caught the tail end of the interaction with Sarkisian flashing the Hook 'Em hand sign as Rowe rolled her eyes.
Sarkisian also addressed Arch Manning's apology for a tasteless comment about an AI-generated video depicting Sarkisian hitting Rowe. Manning had called the video 'hilarious' but later apologized publicly and privately.
Sarkisian emphasized his respect for Rowe and ESPN, stating that Manning acknowledged he had made a mistake. The coach stressed that neither Manning nor the program condones violence against women.
The incident has unfolded as Manning is coming off his biggest win as Texas' starter. Sarkisian's comments drew pushback from some Texas fans, but he maintained that his actions were driven by the excitement of the team's comeback victory.
What's confirmed
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the controversy surrounding his interaction with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe following the Longhorns' 24-23 victory over Ohio State. Sarkisian acknowledged that he could have shown more patience during the postgame interview delay, which occurred after he had led his team to a 21-point comeback.
- Sarkisian told local reporters, via On Texas Football's CJ Vogel, that he wanted to celebrate with his team immediately after the game. 'There was a delay after I greeted Coach Day in the middle of the field,' Sarkisian said. 'I wanted to go celebrate with our team. We just had a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback against the No. 1 team in the country.
- The controversy began when technical issues delayed Sarkisian's interview with Laura Rutledge in the first half. Trailing 20-3 at the time, Sarkisian left the interview to speak to his team. ESPN cameras caught the tail end of the interaction with Sarkisian flashing the Hook 'Em hand sign as Rowe rolled her eyes.
- Sarkisian also addressed Arch Manning's apology for a tasteless comment about an AI-generated video depicting Sarkisian hitting Rowe. Manning had called the video 'hilarious' but later apologized publicly and privately.
- Sarkisian emphasized his respect for Rowe and ESPN, stating that Manning acknowledged he had made a mistake. The coach stressed that neither Manning nor the program condones violence against women.
- The incident has unfolded as Manning is coming off his biggest win as Texas' starter. Sarkisian's comments drew pushback from some Texas fans, but he maintained that his actions were driven by the excitement of the team's comeback victory.
What's still developing
- The second controversy very much had to do with Texas football, because it involved the head coach and the starting quarterback.
- Anyway, on Thursday, Sarkisian addressed what happened and, while not apologizing, expressed regret for how everything played out.