Diego Pavia delivered a dominant performance on the field as No. 12 Vanderbilt crushed in-state rival No. 18 Tennessee 45-24 on November 29, but the quarterback's impressive day was overshadowed by an ugly incident involving his family at Neyland Stadium.
Pavia was nothing short of spectacular, totaling 433 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Commodores to a convincing victory. The standout quarterback has been the driving force behind Vanderbilt's impressive 2025 season, with his family consistently showing up in the stands to support him throughout the year.
However, the celebration turned sour when tensions erupted between stadium personnel and members of the Pavia family during the game.
The Neyland Stadium Incident
The trouble began when
Javier Pavia, Diego's brother, was displaying a flag in the stands that was obstructing other spectators' views. Event staff at Neyland Stadium warned him multiple times to take down the flag, but the situation quickly escalated into a heated confrontation.
According to a police report obtained by Knox News, Javier Pavia became increasingly argumentative with stadium staff. Officers observed him slurring his words, appearing unsteady, and displaying signs of intoxication. The situation deteriorated further when he became highly confrontational with both event personnel and law enforcement.
Arrest and Removal
The incident culminated in
Javier Pavia's arrest for public intoxication at Neyland Stadium. He was subsequently removed from the venue, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant family moment celebrating Diego's stellar performance.
The contrast between Diego's on-field excellence and the off-field family drama highlights how quickly celebrations can turn complicated. While the Vanderbilt quarterback continues to establish himself as one of college football's most exciting players, this incident serves as a reminder that even the biggest moments can be derailed by poor judgment.
**
1.
Tennessean - Diego Pavia's Family Clashing with Neyland Stadium2.
A to Z Sports - Diego Pavia's Brother Arrested at Neyland Stadium3.
NewsChannel 5 - Pavia Leads Vanderbilt Past Tennessee
Sources
1. See video of Diego Pavia's family clashing with Neyland Stadium, Tennessee personnel
2. Diego Pavia's brother arrested, removed from Neyland Stadium during the Vanderbilt QB's big performance vs. Tennessee
3. Pavia passes, runs for TDs as No. 12 Vanderbilt beats in-state rival No. 18 Tennessee 45-24
4. Diego Pavia 2025 Stats per Game - NCAAF - ESPN
