{
  "id": 8166018,
  "title": "Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Finally Addresses the Holly Rowe Backlash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/texas-hc-steve-sarkisian-finally-addresses-the-holly-rowe-backlash",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T03:42:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/texas-hc-steve-sarkisian-finally-addresses-the-holly-rowe-backlash-12458385"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Texas football's head coach, Steve Sarkisian, has addressed the backlash he faced following his post-game interaction with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. His team's victory over No. 1-ranked Ohio State, a win that came after a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback, brought Sarkisian onto the national stage. However, the celebration he chose to have with his team instead of completing his media obligations sparked controversy.\n\nSarkisian revealed the reason behind his decision during an interview with CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. He mentioned that there was a delay after he greeted coach Day on the field, which led to him celebrating with his team. Despite his relationship with ESPN and Rowe dating back to his playing days at BYU, Sarkisian acknowledged that he could have handled the situation better with more patience at that moment.\n\nQuarterback Arch Manning also faced criticism for making a joke about an AI video he found amusing, which involved Sarkisian slapping Rowe. Following the backlash, Manning apologized to Rowe, and she accepted his apology.",
  "summary": "Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian broke his silence on his controversial interaction with ESPN's Holly Rowe.",
  "key_points": [
    "Steve Sarkisian addressed backlash over post-game interaction with Holly Rowe.",
    "He explained delay in media obligations led to celebration with team.",
    "Arch Manning apologized to Rowe for AI video joke."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Coach Steve Sarkisian's explanation for skipping his media obligation with Holly Rowe suggests he prioritized the moment with his team over protocol, but also acknowledges he could have handled it better.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}