Pavia Issues Apology
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia issued a public apology after finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting, following a series of controversial social media posts that drew criticism from fans and the award’s voters.
Heisman Voting Breakdown
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza became the first Hoosier to win the Heisman, while Pavia, the Vanderbilt signal-caller, was the runner-up.
Mendoza earned 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. Pavia received 1,435 points. The other finalists were Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love with 719 points and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin with 432 points.
Social Media Controversy
After the ceremony, Pavia reposted an Instagram story featuring himself and his offensive line, captioned “F-ALL THE VOTERS, BUT…..FAMILY FOR LIFE.” He also shared comments from Skip Bayless that suggested Pavia should have won the award and seemed to jab at Mendoza’s six-minute acceptance speech.
Later that evening, Pavia was photographed at a club holding a sign that read “F- Indiana” in his section, further fueling the controversy.
Public Apology Statement
On Sunday night, Pavia posted a statement on social media in which he apologized for his actions.
He wrote: “Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do, I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. 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.”
Praise for Mendoza and Reflections
In the same post, Pavia called Mendoza an ‘elite competitor’ and a ‘deserving winner of the award,’ and he applauded Mendoza’s accomplishments while shouting out Sayin and Love.
Pavia also reflected on his journey: “I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them – I am grateful for them.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Pavia expressed excitement for the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl, in which Vanderbilt will face Iowa in his last college game on Dec. 31. Mendoza’s victory was historic; he was the first since Caleb Williams (2022) to finish first in all six Heisman regions, was named on 95.16% of all ballots, and received 84.6% of total possible points, the seventh highest in Heisman history.
