ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe is dealing with a painful family loss while also being pulled into the middle of a bizarre college football controversy.
Rowe recently revealed on Instagram that her mother, Diane Buck Rowe-Gandre, died peacefully. In her post, Rowe described her mother as “elegant, smart, and strong,” and she passed along a message to others going through similar moments: “If your Mom is still living, give her a call or hug today.” Rowe also admitted the family “really thought we had more time” together.
After the announcement, the family held a private graveside service. Rowe later shared another tribute on X, writing, “We buried my beautiful Mother today.”
She said the family “honored her with the things she loves most” at the service, which included released butterflies, purple colors, music, and Dr. Pepper.
She closed the message with, “Love you, Momma. You raised an amazing family.”
The loss comes as Rowe has also been at the center of a strange viral episode involving Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and an AI-generated clip. The controversy started after Texas beat Ohio State in a comeback win last Saturday. After the game, Sarkisian abruptly walked away from an on-field interview with Rowe, and internet users then created an altered video showing him violently slapping the veteran reporter.
The situation grew more visible on Monday when Texas quarterback Arch Manning was asked about fan edits. Manning laughed during the press conference before later apologizing for his reaction.
Social media quickly filled with support for Rowe after her mother’s death. Fans sent condolences and prayers, with several noting that the news put recent events in a different light.
One fan wrote, “No better way to honor he than to busy her the way she lived. Continued prayers to you and your family, Holly,” while others shared similar messages of sympathy and support.
It is currently unknown if Rowe plans to take some time off.
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The awkwardness lingered because the moment landed in real time, when patience matters most and everyone is watching how a program handles it. Sarkisian also took responsibility for his own conduct during the interview, while the broader issue around Mannings interaction with Rowe appeared to be moving toward closure even as the Longhorns tried to keep the focus on the football. [Read more 🡒]