**Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Apologizes for Heisman Outburst**
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia recently stirred controversy after expressing frustration over finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Following the announcement, Pavia took to social media, posting a message that included the phrase “F— all the voters,” which drew significant backlash.
Chase Goodbread, a Heisman voter and columnist for The Tuscaloosa News, responded critically to Pavia’s comments, emphasizing that as a mature athlete with multiple college degrees and experience, Pavia should be able to handle criticism better. Goodbread described Pavia’s reaction as immature and suggested that after six years in college, he should have learned humility.
Despite the initial outburst, Pavia later issued an apology, acknowledging that he did not manage his emotions appropriately and regretted his disrespectful remarks. He expressed admiration for Mendoza, calling him a deserving winner, and recognized the achievements of his fellow competitors. Pavia reflected on his journey, noting the challenges he has faced and the support he has received from his family, teammates, and coaches.
Vanderbilt’s athletic director, Candice Lee, also addressed the situation, stating that Pavia understands the inappropriateness of his actions and is committed to learning from this experience. She emphasized the importance of accountability and growth while supporting Pavia as he navigates this moment.
In the Heisman voting, Mendoza secured 643 first-place votes, while Pavia received 189, highlighting the competitive nature of the award.
**FAQ**
*What did Diego Pavia say about the Heisman voting?*
Diego Pavia expressed frustration on social media after finishing second in the Heisman voting, initially stating “F— all the voters,” but later apologized for his comments, acknowledging they were inappropriate.
