Vanderbilt coach addresses Diego Pavia behavior after Heisman Trophy controversy
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Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea defended quarterback Diego Pavia following his controversial behavior following the Heisman Trophy ceremony, but stated that Pavia’s actions “sent the wrong message.”
The 23-year-old from Pavia finished second to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and the Big Ten Championship ahead of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The result prompted a less-than-kind response from Pavia, who posted on social media: “ADMIT ALL VOTERS, BUT…..FAMILY FOR LIFE.”
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws to a receiver during warmups before the NCAA college football game against Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
He was later photographed at a nightclub holding a sign that read “F— Indiana.”
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Pavia later apologized in a lengthy post on social media, but not before facing widespread backlash.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Lea addressed the situation and attempted to explain Pavia’s thought process.
“I regret that he put that out there and I appreciate his apology. It’s such an example, I mean, this kid has had an incredible career. It’s an incredible story and he’s risen up to the point where he’s achieved a childhood dream and he’s fallen so short and there’s so much good in that.”
Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy prior to the 2025 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on December 13, 2025. (Man Hunger/Getty Images)
HEISMAN TROPHY VOTER BLASTS VANDERBILT’S DIEGO PAVIA FOR F BOMB STATEMENT IN FIRE COLUMN: ‘PUNK MOVEMENT’
“But the idea that he’s fighting against doubters and having to constantly prove himself isn’t new to him. But what’s always been true for Diego is the people in his corner, the people he’s closest to, they have his heart. That’s our show,” Lea continued.
“At a moment when I thought he was trying to get across that, he used words that sent the wrong message, that didn’t match our program, that didn’t match who he was. And we make mistakes, too.”
Lea’s remarks echoed those of Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee, who said Monday, “We believe in growth and responsibility and will continue to support Diego as we learn from this moment forward.”
Heisman Trophy finalist Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia speaks during the NCAA college football news conference before the awards ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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Pavia will wrap up his college career in the ReliaQuest Bowl, where Vanderbilt will face Iowa on Dec. 31.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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