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Vanderbilt coach addresses Diego Pavia behavior after Heisman Trophy controversy
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Vanderbilt soccer coach Clark Lea defended quarterback Diego Pavia after his controversial conduct following the Heisman Trophy presentation, however famous that Pavia’s actions “despatched the fallacious message.”
Pavia, 23, completed second to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to an ideal 13-0 file and a Large Ten Championship forward of the School Soccer Playoff (CFP). The end result prompted a less-than-kind response from Pavia, who posted on social media: “F-ALL THE VOTERS, BUT…FAMILY FOR LIFE.”
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws to a receiver throughout warmups earlier than an NCAA school soccer recreation in opposition to Tennessee, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (AP Photograph/Wade Payne, file)
He was additionally later pictured at a nightclub holding an indication that learn: “F— Indiana.
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Pavia later apologized in a prolonged social media submit, however not earlier than receiving widespread backlash.
Chatting with the media on Thursday, Lea mentioned the state of affairs and tried to elucidate Pavia’s thought course of.
“I used to be sorry that he put that out, and I appreciated his apology. That is such an instance of how – I imply, this child has had an unbelievable profession. It is a tremendous story, and he rose to the purpose the place he achieved a childhood dream, and he fell simply brief and there is a lot good in that.
Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy earlier than the 2025 Heisman Trophy presentation on the Marriott Marquis Lodge on December 13, 2025 in New York Metropolis. (Adam Starvation/Getty Photos)
HEISMAN TROPHY VOTER DESTROYS VANDERBILT’S DIEGO PAVIA FOR F-BOMB NOTE IN FIERY COLUMN: ‘PUNK MOVE’
“However the concept he has fought doubters and appears like he has to continually show himself, that isn’t new to him. However what has at all times been true for Diego is the folks in his nook, those he’s closest to, they’ve his coronary heart. That’s our program,” Lea continued.
“In a second the place I feel he was attempting to convey that, he used phrases that despatched the fallacious message, that do not mirror our program, that do not mirror who he’s. And we make errors.”
Lea’s feedback echoed these of Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee, who stated Monday, “We imagine in development and duty, and we are going to proceed to help Diego as he learns from this level.”
Heisman Trophy finalist Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia speaks throughout an NCAA school soccer information convention earlier than the awards ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Photograph/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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Pavia will conclude his collegiate profession within the ReliaQuest Bowl, the place Vanderbilt will play Iowa on Dec. 31.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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