Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia led his team to a 10-2 season with a win over Tennessee, but his brother Javier Pavia was arrested during the game. The 25-year-old was taken into custody for public intoxication at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. This marks the second time this season Javier has been arrested while watching his brother play.
The trouble started when Javier kept blocking other fans with a large flag. University of Tennessee event staff asked him to stop, and police had to get involved. According to Knox News, officers told him to remove the flag, but things got worse from there.
According to NY Post, the arresting officer said Javier was “extremely verbally combative” with both the event staff and police. The officer also reported that Javier slurred his words and couldn’t stand steady. He was booked into Knox County Jail on Sunday and released on his own recognizance later.
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This isn’t Javier’s first run-in with the law this season
Back in August, both Javier and his older brother Roel Pavia, 26, were arrested during Vanderbilt’s 45-3 win over Charleston Southern. Police were called to FirstBank Stadium around 9:20 PM after reports of a fan bothering others and throwing food, according to WSMV.
When officers told Javier to leave the stadium, he refused and resisted arrest until they put him in a police car. Roel made things worse by confronting the officers during his brother’s arrest. He pushed one of the officers while trying to stop them from arresting Javier. Athletes and their families facing legal trouble isn’t new in sports, as seen when a former F1 driver was arrested in an international operation.
Both brothers were charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest after that incident. Roel also faces a felony charge for assault on law enforcement. They were released the next morning and are scheduled to appear in court on January 12.
Despite the off-field drama, Diego Pavia had an amazing game against Tennessee. The 23-year-old quarterback threw for 286 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also ran for 165 yards and another touchdown in the 45-24 victory. Some athletes have managed to handle their past arrests with humor, much like how Baker Mayfield joked about his arrest on ManningCast.
After scoring one of his touchdowns, Pavia struck the famous Heisman Trophy pose. Many are now wondering if he’ll be named one of the four finalists for the award in December. In his post-game interview, Pavia said, “Take me to New York.” He believes his performance speaks for itself, adding that Vanderbilt accomplished something that’s never been done before.
Published: Dec 1, 2025 01:00 am