“We make mistakes”: Clark Lea breaks silence on Diego Pavia’s F-bomb for voters after losing Heisman honor to Fernando Mendoza

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia didn't take finishing as a runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting too well. After the Heisman ceremony on Saturday, Pavia was spotted holding up a middle finger next to a 'F*ck Indiana' sign at a party, seemingly taking a dig at Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza, who won the prestigious award. Pavia also shared a 'F*ck All The Voters' message on his Instagram story, which drew backlash, but he later apologized for his behavior.

On Thursday, Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea shared his thoughts on how Pavia's emotions got the better of him, but appreciated the QB's apology.

“I regretted the fact that he (Pavia) put that out there, and I appreciated his apology,” Lea said. “This is such an example of the way – I mean, this kid has had an unbelievable career. It’s an amazing story. He got up into the point where he was reaching a childhood dream, and he fell just short. And there’s so much goodness in that. In a moment of emotion, he posted something that – we are in charge and responsible for our perception in the world. That’s just the reality. That’s something we talk about in his program. “But the idea that he’s been battling against doubters and feels like he’s constantly having to prove himself, that’s not new to him. But what is always true to Diego is the people in his corner, those that he’s closest with, they have his heart. That’s our program. So in a moment where I think he was trying to communicate that, he used words that sent the wrong message, that don’t align with our program and don’t align with who he is. And we make mistakes."

Lea also said that the moment could be a learning for Pavia, while praising the QB for his competitive spirit during his past two years at Vanderbilt.

Diego Pavia expected to lead Vanderbilt's offense vs. Iowa in 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia - Source: Imagn

Diego Pavia's No. 14 Vanderbilt will take on the No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31. The game is set to begin at noon ET from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Pavia is expected to lead the offensive for Vanderbilt for the last time in his collegiate career against Iowa. The Commodores QB has hinted that he plans to declare for the 2026 NFL draft.

Pavia will likely want to leave Vanderbilt on a high note and with a win under his belt.

Edited by Arnold