A sports media controversy is drawing attention after a columnist for The Athletic criticized Texas quarterback Arch Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian for their reaction to an AI-generated video, while facing questions about her lack of coverage of a Green Bay Packers running back who is facing a felony charge involving an ex-girlfriend.
The dispute traces back to an incident involving Manning and Sarkisian at Texas. Manning had referenced an AI-generated video circulating online that depicted Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, a clip that Manning and reporters in the room reportedly found funny. Separately, on Saturday, Sarkisian was recorded raising his voice at Rowe during a post-game interview.
Manning has since apologized for his comments, and Rowe has said she accepted his apology.
The Athletic columnist Candace Buckner wrote a piece criticizing the behavior of Manning, Sarkisian and the reporters present. “I can’t tell which is worse: the phony clip depicting violence against a woman, or the real-life behavior displayed by Sarkisian, then Manning and a room of media members? Before they could edit themselves and add a glossy filter to their apologies, they showed the sordid bits of their individual characters for all to see,” Buckner wrote.
Silence on a felony case
Critics, including Fox News Digital’s OutKick, have pointed out that Buckner has not written about Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, who is facing a felony charge for allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend. Jacobs was placed on the NFL Commissioner’s Exemption list in connection with the case.
OutKick reported that it contacted The Athletic seeking comment and an interview with Buckner, but the outlet did not respond.
Observers have also drawn comparisons to other recent incidents in sports media coverage. Quarterback Jaxson Dart faced criticism after introducing President Trump on stage, and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker drew backlash for remarks encouraging women to consider staying home to raise children. By contrast, Butker’s teammate Rashee Rice, who crashed a vehicle into a car carrying a woman and child while driving 119 mph and then fled the scene, reportedly received comparatively less sustained criticism from the same commentators.
The Beltway Report has not independently verified additional comment from The Athletic or Buckner beyond what has been reported. This story may be updated if further comment becomes available.
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