The world of college football is no stranger to heated emotions and bold personalities, but a line was crossed this week that has the sport’s elder statesmen up in arms. In a fiery and unfiltered discussion on The Coach JB Show, former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram did not hold back in their criticism of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. The controversy stems from Pavia’s recent public outburst where he directed a profane message toward the Heisman Trophy voters—a move that McCarron and Ingram argue is not just disrespectful, but potentially career-damaging.
For many, the Heisman Trophy represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in collegiate sports. It is a fraternity built on tradition, respect, and a shared history of excellence. When Diego Pavia took to social media and post-game celebrations to utter “F*** all the voters,” he didn’t just target a committee; he targeted the very institution that players like McCarron and Ingram hold dear. The backlash was immediate, and the veterans were quick to remind the young quarterback that his words carry weight far beyond the locker room.
AJ McCarron, who finished second in the Heisman voting during his senior year at Alabama, provided a deeply personal perspective on why Pavia’s comments felt like such a slap in the face. For McCarron, the Heisman ceremony wasn’t just about winning a trophy; it was a life-changing experience for his family. He recalled the joy of taking his parents and brother to New York, riding the train to award ceremonies, and creating memories that his children would one day look back on with pride. “The fact that I’m here, the fact that my kids can go back when they get older and YouTube this thing… that’s the s*** that I cared about,” McCarron shared. To him, Pavia’s dismissal of the process as a “trash look” suggests a lack of appreciation for the magnitude of the moment.
The criticism didn’t stop at mere disrespect. McCarron went a step further, labeling Pavia’s behavior as a massive “red flag” for NFL scouts and coaches. In a league where character and locker room chemistry are paramount, an outburst like Pavia’s can signal a toxic attitude. McCarron hypothesized how a starting NFL quarterback might view a backup like Pavia: “I can’t trust this son of a b**** because he’s probably going to backstab me… you don’t know if he’s going to sabotage your ass.” This perception of being a “hater” or a “backstapper” could prove fatal to Pavia’s professional aspirations before they even truly begin.
Mark Ingram, never one to mince words, offered a more direct and blunt rebuttal. After hearing that Pavia’s frustration might have been directed at the nearly 200 voters who didn’t put him at the top of their ballots, Ingram’s response was simple and devastating: “Maybe you should have said F 643 voters, and I was one of them too… guess what? My trophy’s sitting right there. I don’t give a damn who you F.” Ingram’s message was clear: the voters are part of the game’s history, and if you haven’t earned the hardware, your complaints ring hollow.
The discussion on The Coach JB Show also delved into the changing landscape of college athletics. Coach JB and the panel discussed how the modern era of NIL and immediate transfer eligibility has altered the maturity levels of young athletes. They argued that Pavia, who came from the junior college ranks and found success at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt, may not have been emotionally prepared for the intense spotlight of the SEC. “When you get in the spotlight and you ain’t ready for the spotlight, it’s gonna expose you,” Coach JB noted, suggesting that Pavia is currently being “exposed” for his lack of professional poise.
The panel’s critique even took a more personal turn, with some speakers calling Pavia “ratchet” and questioning his character based on his recent behavior in clubs and on social media. They pointed out that while Pavia has been a fan favorite for his gritty play and underdog story, the “bad boy” persona quickly loses its charm when it turns into perceived entitlement and bitterness. “You look like a hater,” McCarron reiterated, pointing to Pavia’s apparent “shade” thrown at other players during post-game celebrations.
This controversy serves as a stark reminder of the bridge between the “old school” values of college football and the “new school” bravado that often dominates social media. While Pavia’s supporters might see his outburst as raw, authentic emotion from a player who feels overlooked, the veterans see it as a breach of the unwritten code of the sport. In their eyes, greatness is earned through performance and carried with humility—or at least with enough respect for the process not to burn bridges with those who hold the keys to the game’s highest honors.
As Diego Pavia moves forward, the shadow of this “clap back” will likely follow him. NFL teams are notorious for their deep dives into a player’s social media and public comments. Whether Pavia can rebuild his image and prove that he is a leader capable of handling both victory and perceived slights with grace remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in the eyes of legends like McCarron and Ingram, Pavia has some serious making up to do if he ever hopes to be welcomed into the hallowed halls of football’s elite. The “trash look” he created may take more than just a few wins on the field to clean up.
