{
  "id": 7131794,
  "title": "Why Steve Sarkisian ‘blew off’ halftime and postgame interviews",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/why-steve-sarkisian-blew-off-halftime-and-postgame-interviews",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T16:28:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-steve-sarkisian-blew-off-162812727.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a thrilling NCAA football game on September 12, 2026, the No. 4 Texas Longhorns pulled off an incredible upset victory over the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 24-23, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The historic comeback has sparked debate on social media, with some critics focusing on head coach Steve Sarkisian's behavior during halftime and post-game interviews.\n\nESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe was notably taken aback when Sarkisian responded to her question with a brusque \"Let’s go, Texas fight, hook 'em\" before heading off to sing the university's fight song with his players and fans. The incident sparked a wave of reactions, with some alumni and sports journalists defending the coach's actions.\n\nTexas Alum Emmanuel Acho praised Sarkisian for celebrating with his team immediately after the win, stating that he should have been allowed to do so. Sports commentator Jason Whitlock argued that Rowe's reputation as a \"siren\" might have influenced the coach's demeanor. However, the primary issue at hand is the technical difficulties faced by ESPN during the game, which contributed to Sarkisian's demeanor with Rowe and the overall experience for the team.",
  "summary": "Sarkisian wasn’t being rude — ESPN was having technical difficulties.",
  "key_points": [
    "Texas Longhorns upset Ohio State Buckeyes 24-23 on September 12, 2026",
    "Coach Steve Sarkisian brusquely responded to reporter Holly Rowe's question",
    "Technical difficulties affected ESPN broadcast during game"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Texas says ESPN’s technical difficulties are why Steve Sarkisian blew off Holly Rowe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/texas-says-espns-technical-difficulties-are-why-steve-sarkisian-blew",
        "published": "2026-09-13T20:05:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}