Pavia apologizes for blasting Heisman voters on social media after finishing runner-up for award
The Vanderbilt quarterback posted a profane statement on Instagram following the Heisman results.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Nearly one day after posting “F-ALL THE VOTERS 👎 BUT...FAMILY FOR LIFE" accompanying a picture of himself with the Vanderbilt offensive linemen during the Heisman Trophy celebration weekend on social media, Diego Pavia apologized for his reaction to finishing runner-up for the award.
On Sunday night, the quarterback released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that read:
“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.Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season.I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because Ive 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.— and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl."
Pavia finished second in the voting to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who took home the trophy.
Also, following the ceremony Saturday night, a video circulated on social media of Pavia at a party next to a sign that read “(expletive) Indiana” while Pavia waived his middle finger in the air.
Pavia and the Vanderbilt Commodores have one more game remaining this season. They play Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 at 11 a.m.
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