Just when you thought the college football scene couldn’t get any wilder, along comes Diego Pavia. The Vanderbilt player has been in the news recently, not for his impressive plays or that 7-yard scramble for a first down, but due to a significant legal confrontation.
On Friday, Diego Pavia, known as the Alabama Crimson Roll Tide Slayer, filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Nashville, Tennessee. He is challenging the organization’s rules that limit the eligibility of former junior college players when they transfer to a Division I school. Pavia contends that his two seasons at junior college should not count against his Division I eligibility.
His argument is that he couldn’t profit from NIL deals during that time. Is there merit to his claim? Perhaps. Pavia asserts that the NCAA’s rules “unjustifiably” restrict athletes like him from being able to earn through NIL opportunities. However, on Tuesday, November 12, a federal judge denied his request for a temporary restraining order that would have allowed him to extend his college career by another year. Tough break.
Diego Pavia, who had been considered a dark horse candidate for the Heisman trophy, may have seen those hopes dim after his recent legal actions. During Week 6, fans chanted his name for the Heisman after Vanderbilt pulled off an upset against the Alabama Crimson Roll Tide.
In that game, Pavia had an impressive showing, completing 80% of his passes for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns. Overall, his season stats are strong, with 1,843 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. Plus, he’s got impressive mobility, racking up 628 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.
Unfortunately, these accomplishments didn’t help him in court. Pavia claimed he would face “irreparable harm” if he didn’t know his eligibility status before the transfer portal opened on December 9, but the court was not sympathetic. Now, his future seems uncertain, and fans aren’t handing out sympathy; instead, they’re delivering some harsh reality checks.
On social media, particularly on Twitter (or X, whatever you prefer), fans quickly roasted Pavia following the news of his legal setback. One fan delivered a succinct and cutting remark: “Get a job, buddy.” Another chimed in, saying, “Good. Get a job.” The underlying message was clear: no sympathy, time to find work.
One commenter expressed frustration more diplomatically, stating, “Bro, just enjoy your last year and go into the workforce—you shouldn’t get special treatment. If they do that for one, they have to do it for all.” This fan highlighted an important perspective: bending the rules for one player could set a precedent. Another user bluntly reminded him, “Time to enter the workforce, my boi.”
Not everyone is quick to judge, though. One fan expressed their thoughts poetically, stating, “The narcissists that play this game today continue to astound.” Another fan was more direct, commenting, “This is getting so out of hand.” The backlash against Pavia highlights the divisive nature of his lawsuit, raising questions about whether he misjudged public sentiment.
While Diego Pavia’s push for an extra year of eligibility didn’t succeed in court, it has certainly ignited considerable debate. Now, with his football future in limbo, fans are tired of the drama and urging him to “get a job.” This saga is likely to linger, especially as the December 9 transfer portal approaches. Pavia faces important decisions ahead: enter the workforce or pursue another year of SEC football. The unfolding chaos has everyone watching closely.
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