The University of Texas’ dramatic 24-23 comeback against then-No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday was followed by conduct from coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning that drew widespread criticism and shifted attention away from the victory. Texas trailed 23-3 entering the fourth quarter at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium before rallying for one of the biggest regular-season wins in the program’s recent history. But moments after the final whistle, Sarkisian cut short a live ESPN interview with sideline reporter Holly Rowe. Rowe began asking Sarkisian a customary postgame question when he interrupted, shouted, “That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” and ran out of the camera frame. Rowe rolled her eyes as the broadcast moved away from the exchange. Texas later told The Athletic that technical problems had affected the network’s attempts to connect with Sarkisian during the game, including after the final play. Just 66 seconds elapsed between the end of the game and ESPN announcer Chris Fowler’s introduction of Rowe’s interview. Sarkisian was not asked publicly to explain the exchange during his postgame news conference or his regular Monday media availability. The episode resurfaced Monday during Manning’s news conference. Asked whether he had seen fan-made edits of the win, Manning mentioned an AI-generated version of Sarkisian’s interview. He then laughed and referred to an edited video that depicted Sarkisian slapping Rowe, calling it hilarious. Reporters in the room laughed as well, and no follow-up question was asked about the remark. The comments prompted criticism, particularly because Rowe faced hostile online commentary after the exchange. Manning, 22, apologized Tuesday in an Instagram story, writing that his comment was insensitive and that “there is nothing funny about it.” He specifically apologized to Rowe, said he respected her and acknowledged that he needed to be more thoughtful. The incidents came during a weekend when Texas football received extensive national attention. ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast from Austin also gave Republican Sen. Ted Cruz nearly 10 minutes to advocate for legislation opposed by the NAACP, which has described the bill as a modern version of Jim Crow. Separately, a Republican statewide candidate drew condemnation for racist comments about UT students. For Texas, the win moved the Longhorns past a major obstacle on the field. The behavior surrounding it, however, raised questions about the standards expected of the program’s most visible figures—and about the responsibility of coaches, players and media organizations to challenge degrading jokes rather than reward them with laughter.