Vanderbilt Gets Creative to Keep Diego Pavia Clear of Controversy at SEC Media Days

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 11:31 AM ET

If you were hoping for fireworks from Diego Pavia at SEC Media Days, you might be disappointed. While on "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea made it clear this week that the Commodores' outspoken quarterback is operating under strict orders during his appearance in Atlanta.

“He's only allowed to answer ‘no comment’ today,” Lea said with a chuckle when asked how much media prep Pavia had to go through, though the coach's response held a joking tone.

Pavia, who transferred to Vanderbilt after a successful run at New Mexico State, has never been shy with a microphone. Whether it was his profanity-laced postgame celebration after upsetting Alabama last season or his infamous jab at Ryan Williams, Alabama’s top wide receiver, Pavia has shown time and again that he’s not afraid to stir the pot.

And then there was the time he took a swipe at an entire conference, boldly calling the Big Ten “overrated” during a podcast appearance in the spring. Needless to say, it’s been a colorful offseason.

Lea, to his credit, isn’t trying to muzzle his quarterback’s personality entirely.

“I don’t want to change Diego Pavia,” he said. “I want to help Diego.”

That balance, between letting Pavia be himself and avoiding more PR headaches, is a tricky one. Lea explained that Pavia’s edge is part of what makes him a natural leader in the locker room.

“That dude is so humble, hardworking. He’s a great connector in our locker room. He’s confident. He speaks on behalf of our team,” Lea continued. “Sometimes he’s crossed some lines that way that we just need to pull him back into those boundaries.”

It’s clear the Commodores see Pavia’s voice as a strength, but one that needs a little polishing.

“But man, do I never want to have him feel like he’s got to filter himself, you know? I want him to be who he is and it’s refreshing to me.”

Don’t expect Pavia to stay quiet forever. Once the season kicks off, the mic and the headlines might find him again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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