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Arch Manning facing backlash for laughing at AI video of Steve Sarkisian, Holly Rowe

Following a dramatic 24-23 upset by the fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns over the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in Austin, head coach Steve Sarkisian has come under heavy scrutiny. After trailing 20-3 at the half, Texas mounted a 21-point surge in the final period, sealed by a Hollywood Smothers touchdown with just 25 seconds left on the clock.

However, Sarkisian sparked widespread backlash by abruptly dismissing and walking away from ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe during what should have been a standard postgame discussion, prompting calls from observers for the SEC to issue disciplinary action.

The controversy intensified after Texas quarterback Arch Manning drew criticism for reacting with laughter to an artificial intelligence-generated video portraying the tense exchange between Sarkisian and Rowe. While the Longhorns organization offered explanations regarding the head coach's conduct, commentators including Paul Finebaum and Stephen A.

Smith condemned Sarkisian's treatment of the broadcaster, underscoring the growing fallout surrounding the program despite their monumental regular-season victory.