Comedian Theo Von to ‘take out’ Vanderbilt QB’s mother after sideline bet following Commodores’ win
Sideline exchange during Vanderbilt’s 31-7 victory over South Carolina set up an on-air promise; Von posted a photo of the player’s mother on social media after the game
Comedian and podcaster Theo Von said he will take Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s mother on a date after Pavia promised the gesture if the Commodores beat South Carolina on Saturday.
The arrangement was revealed on the sideline during ESPN coverage when reporter Cole Cubelic relayed Pavia’s wager to Von, who confirmed it with a nod. Vanderbilt routed South Carolina 31-7, and Pavia completed a 177-yard, two-touchdown performance that contributed to the victory.
After the game, Von posted a photo of Pavia’s mother, Antoinette Padilla, to X with a heart drawn around her face and asked followers, "where should i take her??" In a follow-up reply, Von wrote he wanted to pick "somewhere respectable and joyful. maybe a coffee or animal park idk." On the sideline, he told reporters he would like to "marry a nurse one day," offering that may have influenced Pavia’s promise, and added he valued his friendship with the quarterback and did not want to become his stepfather.
Padilla, wearing an oversized Vanderbilt jersey and a matching lanyard, drew attention on television during the game and gained traction on social media. Pavia has publicly credited his mother with instilling a competitive mindset. After Vanderbilt’s upset of Alabama last season, he said Padilla, who raised him as a single mother, "raised me a winner" and attends the majority of his games.
Vanderbilt improved to 3-0 with the win. Pavia’s next start for the Commodores is scheduled against Georgia State this coming weekend.
Von, 45, is known for his stand-up comedy and podcasting and has previously made headlines for remarks and public behavior that generated commentary online. The on-air sideline exchange and subsequent social-media posts drew attention for their unusual personal wager between a player and a broadcast personality. Neither Pavia nor Padilla issued additional public comments on the bet beyond the sideline exchange and Padilla’s presence at the game.
The episode highlights the increasing intersection of sports coverage, social media and personalities outside traditional broadcasting as college football games continue to attract broader entertainment-focused attention. Vanderbilt’s season continues amid heightened interest in Pavia’s play and his family’s visible role in supporting the team.