Steve Sarkisian should take a lesson from Brent Venables and Arch Manning on how to respond to a transfer

Brent Venables and even Texas quarterback Arch Manning showed Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian how to handle a transfer situation with class. Sark was still far from classy at SEC Media Days, though.

Sarkisian, during his time behind a mic at SEC Media Days, put it out in the open that the Longhorns dropped players like wide receiver Parker Livingstone, who then transferred to Oklahoma, in order to afford what he made sure to emphasize were better players that he believed improved his roster. He mentioned Livingstone and others by name that Texas cut ties with because they wanted to replace them with portal additions.

"We had to let some pretty good players leave to create the cap space to bring those guys in," Sarkisian said. "I think strategically, there were some tough decisions to make. But, we made them.

"I think we all can agree that we’re probably better around Arch today than we were a year ago at this time.”

Read more: Steve Sarkisian finally confirmed the Parker Livingstone truth Texas fans have been in denial about

And that wasn't even the worst thing Sarkisian said about Livingstone on the same day, as his entire time answering questions was basically a masterclass of how not to handle a media day in today's college football, especially when it comes to handling a former player. Even Lane Kiffin had his foot in his mouth less while breaking an SEC Media Days record for the longest opening statement.

Players transferring, even to rivals, has become the norm in college football today, whether we like it or not. That was Manning's thoughts on the situation when he gave a subdued answer about Livingstone, who was his roommate. Manning also was smart enough to not only realize there's not much to say when he knows leaving Texas wasn't really Livingstone's choice, but there's also no need to gift even more motivation before they face off this season in the Red River Rivalry.

"Yeah, it's going to be different," Manning said. "I mean, he was my roommate, so now playing against him is definitely a little bit of a change. I think that's just kind of how college football is now."

That was the 22-year-old junior quarterback's answer when asked about Livingstone. This is what the 52-year-old leader of the program said:

"I mean, I hope we kick his ass," Sarkisian said. "It's the Red River Rivalry, you know what I mean? He chose to go there. He's on the other side. ...

"At the end of the day, it's competition. After the game, I'm sure I'll give him a big hug. Before that, we're trying to beat his ass. That's the way it goes."

Brent Venables delivers classy Gentry Williams quote while Steve Sarkisian disrespects Parker Livingstone

Venables was also asked about a former player, cornerback Gentry Williams, who transferred to Georgia over the offseason. Just like OU and Texas, the Bulldogs are also on the Sooners' schedule in 2026. Still, there was nothing but respect and class, and Venables never proclaimed that OU ran Williams out of town and is better since he's gone.

"Yeah, I'm not gonna like it very much, but I love Gentry," Venables said before he continued to respectfully praise Williams as a young man he mentored for four years and even went as far to say Williams will succeed in whatever he decides to do after football.

"Whatever role he ends up having at Georgia, he's going to over-deliver, I can promise you."

Read more: Gentry Williams transfer influences Kirby Smart to give Brent Venables his flowers

Sark had two examples of how to answer a question before he was even asked. But he didn't learn anything, and the Sooners are better because of it.

There's at least a little respect for Sarkisian being honest in his answer and embracing a rivalry. However, he completely missed the mark with "He chose to go there."

It's hard for OU fans to swallow, but Texas was Livingstone's top preference. But it was Sarkisian who forced him to go somewhere else, so he can't then act salty about where Livingstone decided was the best fit for him when it was at the hands of Sark anyway. It's like dumping someone for not being pretty enough, then getting mad because they started dating your worst enemy. It honestly sounds like the best way to get back.

Sark made the mess, and instead of cleaning it up, he continues to throw more trash out there. But while Sark was a clear loser at SEC Media Days, the Sooners were the biggest winners, mostly thanks to Venables.

The Sooners not only gained Livingstone because of Sarkisian, but now he has all the motivation imaginable for the second Saturday in October when he plays his old team in the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma, thanks to Sark, has a Red River Rivalry weapon and also added a quiet advantage on the recruiting trail if they use Sarkisian's comments against him.

Sarkisian's trash continues to be the Sooners' treasure.

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