The Commodores’ athletic department made the following comment after Vanderbilt football quarterback Diego Pavia sparked a firestorm for saying “fuck you, voters” on his Instagram Story after finishing runner-up in the Heisman Trophy.
“Diego knows his actions were unacceptable and he has apologized,” Athletic Director Candice Lee said in a statement to The Tennessean on Dec. 15. “We know he is contrite and regrets the hurt he has caused. He is a passionate and genuine athlete, and while his integrity has been nurtured and celebrated here, that does not change the responsibility that comes with representing Vanderbilt University.”
“We believe in growth and responsibility and will continue to support Diego as he learns from this moment.”
Pavia apologized for her post on X on December 14th.
“I just couldn’t deal with those feelings very well and couldn’t express myself the way I wanted,” Pavia wrote on her X account. “I have great love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process. I apologize for the inconvenience. It was a mistake. I am sorry.”
The Heisman runner-up came after a season in which he won several awards, including SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He ranked second nationally in total offense per game with 4,018 total yards and 36 total touchdowns. He led Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record, the best in program history, and became the first Heisman finalist in program history.
Pavia completed 242 of 340 passes for 3,192 yards and added 826 rushing yards in 12 games.
Pavia finished behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in Heisman voting with 1,435 points and 189 first-place votes. Mr. Mendoza received 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes.
Pavia was a non-star recruit who played two years at junior college and then two seasons at New Mexico State University. He is scheduled to conclude his second and final season at Vanderbilt on Dec. 31 at the ReliaQuest Bowl, where No. 12 Vanderbilt (10-2) takes on Iowa (8-4).
Alia Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact agerson@gannett.com or X. @Alia Garson.
