BREAKING NEWS: STEVE SARKISIAN DEMANDS NBC BAN CHRIS FOWLER AFTER “BRIBERY” ACCUSATION AGAINST TEXAS LONGHORNS
College football just got its biggest off-field controversy of the season. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has officially requested that NBC remove veteran commentator Chris Fowler from future NCAA broadcasts, following Fowler’s on-air accusation that Texas “may have bribed the referees” during last week’s heated rivalry win over the Oklahoma Sooners.
The explosive allegation, made live during NBC’s postgame coverage, instantly set off a firestorm online and within college football circles. Fans, players, and analysts were left stunned as Fowler, a longtime play-by-play voice and one of the most respected names in sports broadcasting, appeared to suggest that the officiating crew had been influenced in Texas’s favor — without offering any evidence to back the claim.
⚡ The Comment That Sparked Chaos
Moments after the Longhorns clinched a narrow 27–24 victory over Oklahoma, Fowler remarked on air:
“You have to wonder how much of this game was about talent — and how much might have been decided elsewhere. Some of those calls… well, let’s just say Texas has friends in high places.”
The remark immediately drew shocked reactions from co-commentator Kirk Herbstreit, who tried to steer the discussion away, saying, “Let’s not go there, Chris.” But the damage was already done. Within minutes, clips of Fowler’s statement began circulating online, racking up millions of views and sparking outrage among Longhorn fans.
🧨 Sarkisian Fires Back
By Sunday morning, Coach Sarkisian had had enough. In a strongly worded statement released through the Texas athletic department, he condemned Fowler’s comments as “reckless, defamatory, and beneath the integrity of college football broadcasting.”
“Suggesting that my players, my staff, or anyone connected to this program would bribe officials is not only false — it’s disgusting,” Sarkisian said. “Our players earned that win through grit, preparation, and heart. For a national broadcaster to imply otherwise is unacceptable.”
Sarkisian then confirmed that he had formally contacted NBC executives, demanding that Chris Fowler be removed from future Texas-related broadcasts and possibly suspended from NCAA coverage entirely.
“You can criticize my coaching all you want,” Sarkisian added. “But you don’t get to attack the character of these young men. Not on my watch.”
🗣️ NBC and Fowler Respond
NBC released a brief statement late Sunday afternoon acknowledging Sarkisian’s complaint:
“We are aware of the comments made during Saturday’s broadcast and are reviewing the matter internally. NBC remains committed to fair and balanced coverage of college football.”
As for Fowler, the veteran broadcaster has yet to issue a full apology. However, in a late-night post on his social media account, he appeared to double down slightly, writing,
“I’ve covered this sport for over 30 years — I call what I see. If that offends people, so be it.”
The comment has only intensified the backlash. Thousands of Texas fans have flooded NBC’s official pages demanding disciplinary action, while others defended Fowler’s right to “speak freely about questionable officiating.”
🏈 A Rivalry Turned Media War
The Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma has always been fiery, but this off-field drama has taken it to another level. The game itself was already under scrutiny after two controversial penalties against Oklahoma — both in the final minutes — helped Texas secure the comeback win. Fowler’s accusation has now reignited debates over officiating bias, media integrity, and the line between commentary and defamation.
Inside the Texas locker room, players reportedly took the remarks personally. One senior captain told local reporters, “We fight for every inch out there. Hearing someone suggest we cheated — that’s not just disrespectful, it’s a slap in the face to our entire program.”
🔥 The Fallout
As of today, sources within the NCAA say no formal complaint has been filed against the officiating crew, and no evidence of bribery or misconduct has been found. But Sarkisian’s demand for Fowler’s removal puts NBC in a difficult position — caught between protecting journalistic freedom and respecting the integrity of college athletics.
Whether NBC will act on Sarkisian’s request remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the fallout from this controversy won’t fade anytime soon.
What began as a hard-fought Texas victory has turned into a full-blown media storm — and the battle between Steve Sarkisian and Chris Fowler may just be getting started.
