The late, great Gloria Steinem once said about domestic violence and violence against women, “There was no word for it; it was called life.”
It was just the way that it was.
Thankfully, in large part due to the women’s liberation movement, we have laws on the books, protections for abuse victims and survivors, 24/7 shelters, awareness campaigns and education in schools on an issue that was once hidden in the shadows.
And yet, there is still an undercurrent of normalization that permeates everyday vernacular
and attitudes—“humor”—that can be rooted in a worldview dominated by pathological patriarchy, where women are seen as less than.
That was certainly the case with the University of Texas football program and their treatment of ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
Last Saturday, after Texas pulled off a historic comeback win over Ohio State, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian blew off a postgame interview with Rowe on the field. He threw up the “Hook’em ‘Horns” hand gesture before walking away, leaving Rowe understandably frustrated.
Shortly thereafter, an AI-generated meme circulated featuring Sarkisian slapping Rowe across the face.
In a subsequent press conference, a question was posed to Texas QB Arch Manning, asking him what he thought the interview clip. A wide smile emerged on Manning’s face as he responded:
I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff, but that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.
Audible laughter burst out of the presser among a group of male reporters.
As if the idea of hurting not just a prominent, accomplished woman, but any woman, is somehow amusing. And the fact that nobody in the room stood up, spoke up and called it out, really says a lot about them and the character.
As for Manning, I don’t want to hear the argument that he didn’t know better or that he’s just a kid.
First off, he is 22 years old. He is a legal adult. Secondly, he should know better, as do the other adult men in the room. Third, when you are part of a prominent family like his, you’re under greater scrutiny.
To his credit, Manning posted an apology on Instagram.
As for Holly, everyone should know by now that she is a beloved member of the women’s basketball community.
She has been there every step of the way as women’s college basketball and the WNBA rose in recent years.
For every great moment, Holly was there. She has interviewed every great player in the game. And her passion for the sport shines through every time that red light comes on.
The mistreatment she has experienced from Texas football is yet another example of an ongoing backlash against the progress made by women in sports.
This year alone has been chock-full of reactionary responses, such as:
- Former unaccomplished NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White “drafting” themselves into the WNBA, a misogynistic grift masked as “concern” over the non-issue of transgender athletes in the league.
- The online hate and threats directed at WNBA players, particulary those who are Black and/or LGBTQ+.
- A sports betting company choosing to promote a hyper-sexualized ad featuring Sydney Sweeney.
Examples of rampant misogyny extend beyond sports, and are particularly glaring in politics:
- Some in both political parties have stood behind candidates with a history of violence against women (Max Miller and Graham Platner).
- A member of Congress decided to bestow an honor upon R&B singer Chris Brown, a man with a rap sheet of abuse towards women.
- The President of the United States, who has been accused of abuse towards women, has been emboldened to berate and degrade women reporters doing their jobs.
- The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are still awaiting justice from the powers that be that have shunned them.
A clear pattern explains why this behavior toward Holly Rowe isn’t in a vacuum.
Grown men need to step up. It’s long overdue. Call this out for what it is. Set an example of professionalism in sports to politics and other areas of society. Not only that, but set an example for other men and boys to follow on what to be and what not to be. Be an ally to women and girls, call out misogyny and sexism where it comes up, especially when it comes from your inner circle.
Understand that one in three women are victims of rape, physical violence and stalking by an intimate partner, per the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Find ways to use your power and privilege to stop it.
As for Holly Rowe, keep doing what you are doing and keep being you.
