Vanderbilt Quarterback Diego Pavia's Brother Arrested for Public Intoxication
During a recent game at Neyland Stadium, Javier Pavia, brother of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, was arrested for public intoxication, marking a troubling repeat this season.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 29, as Vanderbilt faced Tennessee. According to reports, Javier, 25, was taken into custody after he refused multiple requests from University of Tennessee staff to lower a flag obstructing the view of other spectators.
Details from the police report indicate that Javier was not only argumentative but also displayed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and unsteady movements. The arresting officer noted, “Javier was also extremely verbally combative with event staff and myself,” highlighting the escalating situation.
Facing misdemeanor charges, Javier's legal troubles are compounded by a previous arrest alongside his older brother Roel, 26, on August 30. Both were charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest following Vanderbilt’s victory over Charleston Southern.
In contrast to his brother's legal issues, Diego Pavia has been making headlines for his impressive performance on the field. The 24-year-old quarterback has led the Commodores to a remarkable 10-2 season and a No. 14 national ranking. His latest achievement came in a thrilling 41-29 win against No. 19 Tennessee, where he threw for 268 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 165 yards and another score.
After the game, Vanderbilt fans erupted in chants of “Heisman,” celebrating Diego’s standout performance. He struck a Heisman pose in celebration, embodying the excitement surrounding his potential candidacy for the prestigious award. “Take me to New York,” he declared during an interview on SEC Network, reflecting on his journey and the historic season. “You look at the numbers, you look at what we have here and obviously we did something that’s never been done. It’s just a blessing being on this stage, something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.”
Diego celebrated the victory with his mother, Antoinette Padilla, who has gained her own share of attention this season. Known for her vibrant presence at games, Padilla went viral during Vanderbilt’s win over Kentucky on November 22. Dressed in cowboy boots and a “Pavia for Heisman” T-shirt, she danced enthusiastically in the stands, capturing the cameras’ focus throughout the broadcast.
Padilla's spirited antics included straddling the spectator railing while cheering for her son. Earlier that day, she participated in Senior Day festivities alongside comedian Theo Vonn, who humorously discussed dating her. Pavia had jokingly promised Vonn a date with Padilla if Vanderbilt triumphed over South Carolina, which they did.
On air, Vonn expressed his admiration for Padilla, stating, “My goal is, I would like to marry a nurse one day,” while also emphasizing his enjoyment of their friendship. He later clarified on social media that he and Padilla are not romantically involved. “Never got the date, but did develop a friendship with the greatest family in college sports! God Bless the Pavias!” he wrote.
As the season progresses, both brothers find themselves in the spotlight for vastly different reasons—one for his athletic prowess and the other for his legal challenges.
