The Texas Longhorns registered a comeback win against SJSU. Texas won 38-7 as Arch Manning had his first big game as the starting quarterback. However, his performance was overshadowed by the rumors of his injury.
Fans noticed that Manning was struggling to throw the ball, and when he did, he was visibly in pain. Rumors started floating around that maybe the 21-year-old is playing with an injured shoulder. So, the media asked Steve Sarkisian about it after the game.
Instead of directly clearing the rumor, Sarkisian came up with a hilarious and somewhat bizarre analogy to answer the question.
“He doesn’t have any [problems],” Sarkisian said. “I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you use the bathroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”
In a recent episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith stated that Sarkisian’s analogy signals a deeper issue. He called his response “completely unnecessary” and “childish.” Smith said that the reporter only brought that up because Manning was seen struggling with the ball, and that Sarkisian should’ve given a simple answer.
“Seems to me like Sarkisian is feeling some pressure,” Smith said. “And he needs to feel some pressure because the expectations at Texas are very very high, as well they should be because they have a hell of a team.” (1:40)
Smith believes that with such a strong roster and a capable quarterback like Manning, Sarkisian’s reputation is at stake this season. His response to the reporter might’ve been a result of the pressure he’s feeling to deliver this season.
Steve Sarkisian’s Response Didn’t Make Any Sense to Stephen A. Smith
When Molly Qerim decided to play the devil’s advocate on the show and said that it could’ve been an attempt from Steve Sarkisian to protect Arch Manning, Stephen A. Smith didn’t buy that argument.
As the newest star from the celebrated Manning family and a starting quarterback for Texas, Manning is constantly under scrutiny. Qerim wondered whether it was a calculated move from Sarkisian to divert the media’s attention from Manning for a while.
“It makes no sense,” Smith said. “Because what kind of pressure is it on any quarterback to be healthy? If you’re healthy, you’re healthy. If you’re not, you’re not…If Arch Manning is hurt, that’s not something that negatively impacts Arch Manning.” (2:52)
Whether it was a calculated move from Steve Sarkisian or not, he did succeed in taking the attention away from Manning. Since his comment, the bathroom analogy has been one of the most talked-about topics despite the Longhorns’ dominant victory.
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