After Vanderbilt football quarterback Diego Pavia’s Instagram story saying ‘F-all the voters,’ following his runner-up finish for the Heisman Trophy caused a firestorm, the Commodores’ athletic department has commented.
‘Diego knows his actions were unacceptable and he has apologized,’ athletic director Candice Lee said in a statement to The Tennessean on Dec. 15. ‘I know he is contrite and regrets the hurt he caused. He is a passionate and authentic competitor, and while his authenticity has been nurtured and celebrated here, it does not change the responsibility that comes with representing Vanderbilt University.
‘We believe in growth and accountability, and we will continue to support Diego as he learns from this moment.’
Pavia apologized for the post on Dec. 14 on X.
‘I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to,’ Pavia wrote on his X account. ‘I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.’
The Heisman runner-up came after a season where he received several accolades, including SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He ranked second nationally in total offense per game and had 4,018 total yards with 36 total touchdowns. He led Vanderbilt to a 10-2 finish, its best in program history, and was the first Heisman finalist in program history.
Pavia was 242-for-340 passing for 3,192 yards in 12 games, and added 826 rushing yards.
Pavia finished behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in Heisman voting, receiving 1,435 points and 189 first-place votes. Mendoza had 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes.
Pavia was a zero-star recruit who played two years in junior college before playing two seasons at New Mexico State. He is wrapping up his second and final season at Vanderbilt on Dec. 31 at the ReliaQuest Bowl, where No. 12 Vanderbilt (10-2) will play Iowa (8-4).
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.