Until upsetting top-ranked Alabama last year, Vanderbilt had been mediocre at best. At worst, the team was a bottom-feeder in the SEC.
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This perception was further solidified by the team's 26 consecutive conference losses from 2019 to 2022, including a 62-0 shutout at the hands of Georgia in 2021.
However, quarterback Diego Pavia has given Vanderbilt fans some hope. Last year, he led the team to its first winning season in over a decade and was an integral part of the team's bowl victory as well.
Vanderbilt Is Aiming Higher This Season
Building on last season's progress, Pavia has set higher goals this season. He's off to a great start, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns.
Off the field, the brothers of the quarterback don't seem to share that view. They both missed the end of the Commodores' 45-3 victory against Charleston Southern on Saturday, Aug. 30.
The reason? The duo was arrested, reinforcing the stubborn perception that Vanderbilt remains a laughingstock.
What Happened to Pavia's Brothers?
According to television station WSMV, university police received a call around 9:20 p.m. about someone disturbing and throwing food at fans at FirstBank Stadium. As Vanderbilt fans are aware, the stands typically have more opposing fans than home supporters.
Officers found Javier Pavia and reported him to be "intoxicated, staggering, with an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath."
Affidavits state that Javier refused to leave the premises and resisted arrest until placed in a patrol car.
How Did the Other Brother Get Arrested?
Roel Pavia, Diego's other brother, saw what was happening to Javier and confronted the police. His arrest affidavit states that Roel pushed an officer in the chest to stop his arrest of his brother. He then "took off running" when he realized he was about to get arrested, too.
Roel was found and arrested in a parking lot across from the stadium. Both were booked into Davidson County Jail and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest. Roel was also charged with assaulting an officer. They were released Sunday morning and are scheduled to appear in court on September 2.
So, while Diego and Vanderbilt seem to be starting off the fall on a high note, it could be a long season for his brothers.
Photo by Brendan Ross/Vanderbilt University/University Images via Getty Images
