Award-winning CBS reporter Shehan Jeyarajah has been subjected to a torrent of racist abuse and threats on social media after publicly revealing his selections for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
The Controversial Vote and Immediate Backlash
The incident unfolded after Jeyarajah, a first-time voter for the award, posted his ballot on social media platform X on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He had ranked Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia first, ahead of the eventual winner, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
Jeyarajah explained his choice, citing Pavia's significant impact on the Vanderbilt football programme. However, the video sparked an immediate and vicious reaction. The journalist, who is set to become president of the Football Writers Association of America next year, shared examples of the responses, which included ethnic slurs and even threats to report him to immigration authorities.
"Actually pretty wild that 'voting for the second place Heisman finisher' has folks crashing out like this," Jeyarajah wrote in response to the abuse.
Pavia's Outburst and Subsequent Apology
The controversy was further fuelled by the reaction of the runner-up, Diego Pavia. Shortly after Fernando Mendoza was announced as the winner on Saturday night, Pavia posted an angry message on social media that read: 'F-ALL THE VOTERS.'
However, the quarterback later issued a full apology for his X-rated outburst. In a social media post, Pavia stated that being a Heisman finalist was "such an honour" and that his competitive desire to win had clouded his judgement.
"I didn't handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to," Pavia wrote. "I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry."
He went on to praise Mendoza as an "elite competitor" and a "deserving winner," also applauding the accomplishments of fellow finalists.
A Grim Reminder of Social Media's Dark Side
This episode highlights the severe and often toxic backlash that journalists and public figures can face online, particularly when their professional opinions diverge from popular sentiment. The abuse directed at Jeyarajah, which targeted his ethnicity, underscores the persistent issue of racism and hate speech on social media platforms.
While Pavia's initial frustration was met with understanding by some fans, his public criticism of the voters undoubtedly contributed to the hostile environment faced by Jeyarajah and other members of the voting committee. The swift apology from the athlete was a necessary step in de-escalating the situation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing sports media in the digital age, where reasoned debate can quickly descend into personal vitriol and bigotry.
