Did Diego Pavia just make one of the worst mistakes of his professional career even before the NFL Draft?
Vanderbilts' Diego Pavia reportedly damages NFL Draft stock with unforgettable off-field behavior originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Vanderbilt Commodores finished the regular season 10-2, marking the first time in school history they reached that milestone. The Dores were led by none other than Heisman candidate Diego Pavia. The quarterback was special, to say the least, and is nothing short of a competitor. However, after losing the Heisman Trophy to Fernando Mendoza, he took to social media to express his frustration.
“F-all the voters ... Family for life," he posted on his Instagram story, alongside a photo of himself with some of his offensive linemen at the ceremony.
A day later, he quickly apologized after realizing his mistake. He made it clear in a post that he did not intend to discredit anyone.
“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,” Pavia wrote on social media.
While it is commendable that he apologized, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III believes the damage may already be done.
“Diego Pavia’s off-field antics are hurting his draft stock. Pavia is a talented player and his teammates love playing for him, but his behavior off the field on Heisman weekend has NFL decision makers telling me they are concerned that they can trust him in the building at all,” Griffin posted.
There is no doubt that Pavia has the talent, but the antics surrounding him are concerning. He is already one of the most scrutinized quarterbacks in college football among fans, and now NFL franchises have additional reasons to be wary.
Whether he apologized or not, the moment cannot be undone. This raises red flags for front offices: what happens if a practice, film session, or game doesn’t go his way? Pavia has already demonstrated that he can act impulsively when things don't go in his favor.
Category: General Sports
