Fernando Mendoza Turns Into Punching Bag After Curt Cignetti Bars Him From Indiana Facilities

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza became the center of online chatter after a Planet Fitness ad humorously referenced his reported removal from team facilities.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza found himself at the center of an unexpected social media storm. It all happened after his appearance in a Planet Fitness ad that jokingly referenced his reported removal from Indiana football facilities by head coach Curt Cignetti. What was meant to be a lighthearted promotional spot quickly turned into a full-blown fan discussion across college football circles for the 2025 Heisman trophy winner.

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The ad featured Mendoza working out at Planet Fitness. It followed with Mendoza stating that he had been kicked out of the Indiana building. While clearly framed as a humorous, self-aware marketing move, the internet reacted instantly — and loudly. Fans flooded comment sections and forums, turning Mendoza into the subject of memes, jokes, and debates about his standing with the Hoosiers program.

Many fans appreciated the quarterback’s willingness to lean into the narrative. Some praised him for showing a sense of humor and confidence. Others expressed anger over the matter, without understanding the intention of the post.

However, not all reactions were positive. A portion of the fanbase questioned whether appearing in the ad trivialized what could be a serious situation involving team discipline or program decisions. Some Indiana supporters expressed concern about how the situation reflected on the team’s locker room culture and leadership.

Fernando Mendoza Becomes a Laughing Stock

Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)

As the news surfaced on social media, fans began reacting. One fan wrote, “Dude. You ain’t gonna get where you need to get at Planet Fitness.”

“If this was real, that would be so disrespectful to a guy who just led you to an undefeated season and won a national championship lol. get that boy ready for the draft come on let him work out coach,” another fan commented.

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“He wins you a national championship for your school and you do him the service of working out in the same place for 2 more months?,” a person wrote.

“Yeah definitely not a Planet Fitness plug while he’s wearing the Planet Fitness 1/4 zip on radio row,” a comment read.

“Imagine fernando mendoza coming up to you at planet fitness and asking you for a spot,” an IG user wrote.

“It’s funny because Planet Fitness definitely the type to give him a paid endorsement but still make him pay for his membership,” a comment read.

“Get that money, Fernando!” one fan wrote.

“always got a spot for you fernando,” Planet Fitness’ official social media account wrote.

Fernando Mendoza Comments (Image Credits: IG/ @cfbalerts)
Regardless of where fans stand, the reaction proves one thing. Mendoza remains firmly in the spotlight. Whether the ad ultimately helps reshape his image or simply adds fuel to online chatter, it has already succeeded in getting the college football world talking.