ESPN host launches furious attack on 'immature' Arch Manning as scandal engulfs college football superstar over reaction to violent AI clip

First Take host Shea Cornette did not hold back as she voiced her displeasure with Arch Manning after his recent apology to ESPN colleague Holly Rowe.

Manning found himself at the center of a storm in the aftermath of Texas' dramatic comeback win over Ohio State on Saturday night.

After the game, head coach Steve Sarkisian blew off an interview with ESPN reporter Rowe in order to celebrate with his team.

The clip went viral and also inspired a number of memes and AI-generated videos, including a disturbing AI video depicting Sarkisian backhanding Rowe to the ground then putting two fists to his forehead and running away like a bull.

In a press conference on Monday, Manning admitted he had seen some of the online content from the incident, specifically mentioning the violent AI edit sparking laughter from himself and reporters in the room.

Footage went viral as Manning was blasted for his insensitive response, prompting an apology on Tuesday, which was accepted publicly by Rowe.

However, Cornette did not let the conversation die as she used her role on First Take to criticize the 22-year-old, calling him 'insensitive' and 'immature' and criticizing his decision not to apologize via video.   

'OK, so Stephen A and I learned about this yesterday, and so I'll give my quick take on this,' Cornette began.

'And when I first had heard Arch's comments and watched that press conference, my initial reaction was 'my goodness, how insensitive, how immature', and kind of, quite frankly, how dare he say that, especially about Holly and the way he was laughing about it.

'As the day progressed, I thought to myself, OK, when you have this last name and you play at this university and you wear that on your sleeve every day, you have to know better.

'And maybe that's unfair given his age and his immaturity level, still, and what he's going through at his age, but that is just the reality of the situation that comes with it.

'He's apologized. He had a conversation with Holly Rowe which I love. Now I do wish his apology was vocal, was on video as opposed to in text.

'But nonetheless, now we move forward but what I do hope is that obviously this was a very strong learning lesson for him. 

'We don't necessarily need to be laughing about a video that promotes violence, especially towards woman, and so Arch hopefully will do better.'

Manning issued a statement on social media on Tuesday that read: 'In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it.

'It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.

'I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment.'

'I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.'

Rowe responded with an Instagram story of her own accepting the apology.

'Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this - which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another,' Rowe said.