Texas' monster TV ratings in Ohio State clash are small potatoes after Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian controversies

Manning poured gasoline on the fire during his Monday news conference with a stunning comment.

"I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview, the one of him slapping Holly Rowe," Manning said when asked whether he'd seen any notable edits on social media. Many in the room, including the QB, chuckled. 

That comment angered many, and rightfully so. Manning, 22, is old enough to know better. So are male reporters who laughed. They shouldn't find humor in content that normalizes violence toward and disrespects women. 

"The laughter from all the men in the room ... so, so gross," wrote NBC Sports' Nicole Auerbach on X. 

On Tuesday, Manning apologized for his comment. Rowe said she accepted it and spoke with the QB privately. 

Sarkisian hasn't apologized for his interaction with Rowe, which he wasn't asked about during Monday's media session. Many want him to, including Dan Wolken of Yahoo Sports. 

"Because we would not be here if Sarkisian simply acted like a normal human being," wrote Wolken on Tuesday. "Though he was understandably frustrated when he had to bail on the standard halftime show due to technical issues on ESPN's end, there was no reason for Sarkisian to bigfoot Rowe in the scramble by yelling 'Texas fight, Hook em!' then storming off rather than standing for 30 seconds and answering two questions like every winning coach does after the game." 

The SEC hasn't commented on the matter, either. Many have pointed out that the SEC commissioner's regulations on public comments state, "All individuals shall make every attempt to promote the Conference and its members in a positive manner." Manning's and Sarkisian's conduct does the opposite. 

Texas, which plays the UTSA Roadrunners in Week 3, will want to revel in monstrous TV viewership. However, the recent negative press, much of it deserved, renders that storyline irrelevant. And those associated with the program must do better moving forward.