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Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea defended quarterback Diego Pavia after his controversial behavior after the Heisman Trophy ceremony, but noted that Pavia’s actions “sent the wrong message.”
Pavia, 23, finished second to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and a Big Ten Championship prior to the College Football Playoff (CFP). The result prompted a less than gracious response from Pavia, who wrote on social media, “F-ALL THE VOTERS, BUT…..FAMILY FOR LIFE.”
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
He was also later pictured 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 being met with widespread backlash.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Lea spoke about the situation and tried to explain Pavia’s thought process.
“I regretted him putting it out there and I appreciated his apology. This is such an example of the road — I mean, this kid has had an incredible career. It’s a great story and he rose to the point where he achieved a childhood dream and he fell just short and there’s so much goodness in that.
Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy before the 2025 Heisman Trophy presentation at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
HEISMAN TROPHY VOTERS BLAST VANDERBILT’S DIEGO PAVIA FOR F-BOMB REMARK IN BREAKING COLUMN: ‘PUNK MOVE’
“But the idea that he has fought against doubters and feels that he has to constantly prove himself, that is not new to him. But what is always true for Diego is the people in his corner, the ones that he is closest to, they have his heart. That is our program,” continued Lea.
“In a moment where I think he was trying to communicate that, he used words that sent the wrong message, that don’t align with our program, that don’t align with who he is. And we make mistakes.”
Lea’s remarks echoed those of Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee, who said Monday: “We believe in growth and accountability, and we will continue to support Diego as he learns from this moment.”
Heisman Trophy finalist Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia speaks during an NCAA college football news conference before the award ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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Pavia will conclude his collegiate career at the ReliaQuest Bowl, where Vanderbilt will face Iowa on Dec. 31.
