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Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea defended quarterback Diego Pavia after his controversial behavior after the Heisman Trophy ceremony, but noted Pavia’s actions “sent the wrong message.”
Pavia, 23, finished second behind Indiana State’s Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and a Big Ten championship before the College Football Playoff (CFP). The result prompted a less-than-kind response from Pavia, who posted on social media, “Fuck all 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 photographed at a nightclub with a sign reading “F— Indiana.
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Pavia later apologized in a lengthy social media post, but not before being met with widespread backlash.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Leah addressed the situation and tried to explain Bhavya’s thought process.
“I regret the fact that he posted that, and I appreciate his apology. That’s an example of the way — I mean, this kid had an incredible career. It’s an amazing story, and he rose to the point where he was reaching his childhood dream, but he failed and there’s a lot of good in that.”
Heisman Trophy nominated quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy before the 2025 Heisman Trophy presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Adam Hanger/Getty Images)
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“But the idea that he was fighting against doubters and feeling like he had to constantly prove himself, this is not new for him. But what always applies to Diego is the people who are in his corner, those who are closest to him, who have his heart. This is our program,” Lea continued.
“The moment I think he was trying to get that across, he used words that sent the wrong message, that didn’t align with our program, that didn’t align with who he was. And we make mistakes.”
Lea’s comments echoed those of Vanderbilt athletic director Candace Lee, who said Monday: “We believe in growth and accountability, and we will continue to support Diego as he learns from this moment.”
Vanderbilt quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia speaks during an NCAA college football news conference before the awards ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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Pavia will conclude his collegiate career in the ReliaQuest Bowl where Vanderbilt will face Iowa on December 31.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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