LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Former New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia was runner-up to Indiana University’s Fernando Mendoza for the Heisman Trophy, announced Dec. 13.
Pavia, an Albuquerque native, was nominated for the Heisman Trophy Dec. 8, after leading the Vanderbilt Commodores to an historic 10-win season and a No. 14 ranking. He threw for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns.
After the announcement of Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy, Pavia posted a picture to his Instagram story with the Vanderbilt offensive lineman and a caption reading “F— ALL THE VOTERS BUT… FAMILY FOR LIFE.” Following this, a video of Pavia at a nightclub in New York City surfaced online after he bought a sign reading “F— Indiana.”
Pavia has since apologized in a public statement on X, acknowledging that his reaction was “disrespectful.”
“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,” Pavia wrote.
Pavia also praised Mendoza in his statement after Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season, while accumulating an impressive 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns.
“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.”
Even with the apology, fans and critics on social media are questioning his maturity and sportsmanship, especially after years of being the “underdog” of collegiate football.
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