After the Texas Longhorns’ victory over Ohio State, head coach Steve Sarkisian issued an apology to ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge. This came in response to criticism directed at him for what many perceived as “classless” behavior towards his colleague, Holly Rowe. The incident has sparked discussions about professionalism in sports reporting and the treatment of journalists by coaches during post-game interactions.
“Alright, we actually just lost Sark because he had to go,” Rutledge said. “I do want to make sure we clear something up. [Steve Sarkisian] did decline the interview at the half,” he said. “I’m sorry about that, you guys. He waited for a long time. Credit to him for waiting. We’ll try to get him on the way out of the half. Several fans criticized ESPN regarding the situation and implied that it played a role in Sarkisian’s brief engagement with Rowe following the game.
Rutledge, a sideline reporter alongside Rowe, was poised to interview Sarkisian during the break while his team was trailing 20-3.
Sarkisian faced significant backlash online, being labeled as “classless” for his reaction, with one supporter noting that his quarterback, Arch Manning, willingly participated in a post-game interview. Classless,” one said. He raised a Longhorns sign to the camera with his left hand before storming away from Rowe to join his celebrating team, declining to provide any insights into the game or respond to her inquiries. “Manning took the time to talk. But Shark couldn’t? However, the camera shifted to her just as Sarkisian was making his way down the tunnel towards the locker room. “Maybe ESPN shouldn’t have made him stand around at half time waiting to come to him before kissing Ryan Days ass. Tell the whole story. Sorry Holly took the brunt of it but after that win and the snub at half time he wanted to be with his team not ESPN.”
