anybody have...

[IE]

an update on rutherford situation?

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Harris waits for information before making decision on Rutherford


PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh coach Walt Harris will wait for more information before deciding whether to take action against starting quarterback Rod Rutherford, who is accused of kicking out a car window outside a nightclub.

No charges have been filed, but Pittsburgh police are investigating. Several female acquaintances of Rutherford's were in the vehicle.

"We are in the process of gathering information so we are sure we know exactly what happened," Harris said Tuesday. "Until we're satisfied we know everything, I'm not going to do anything."

The 10th-ranked Panthers open Saturday against Kent State. Harris gave no indication when a decision on Rutherford's status for the game would be made.

Rutherford, a senior, led Pitt to a 9-4 record and Insight Bowl victory last season by throwing for 2,783 yards and 22 touchdowns. His 3,181 yards in total offense set a Pittsburgh school record and was the third highest total in Big East history.

 

[buddy]

If Harris decides to suspend Rutherford, sophomore Tyler Palko likely would get the starting nod. However, coaches were considering redshirting Palko so he would have three years of eligibility remaining after this season. Harris would then have to decide if redshirt freshman Luke Getsy is capable of stepping in and starting because if Palko plays, he can no longer receive a redshirt unless he is injured in one of the first four games.

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Rutherford is athletic and his qb skills have improved dramatically.

If Rutherford is suspended, Palko is a gym rat and is a capable replacement. Palko's father is a high school fb coach and 2 years ago, Palko took West Allegheny to the State championship.

 

[IE]

thanks Buddy for the info....looks like Getsy is going to get the call.

Charges filed against Pitt quarterback

By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
September 5, 2003
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pitt quarterback Rod Rutherford was charged Friday with kicking out a car window and assaulting a woman outside a nightclub.

Rutherford forced his way into the car early Monday after she refused his advances, police said. Rutherford got out of the car and grabbed the 19-year-old woman through a partially opened window, causing her to strike her head and face, police said Friday.

As the woman drove away, Rutherford kicked out a window, police said. Two passengers in the car were not injured.





Rutherford was charged with indecent assault, simple assault and criminal mischief. He has disputed the woman's account, saying she threw a glass at him in the parking lot.

Calls to his attorney, James Wymard, were not immediately returned Friday.

The charges came one day after coach Walt Harris said Rutherford violated team rules and would not be the opening-day starter Saturday for the No. 10 Panthers.

``I have a great deal of respect for Rod Rutherford,'' Harris said Thursday. ``From the information we have, he has engaged in behavior that is contrary to those expectations, our team rules and the responsibilities he assumes as a leader.''

Harris on Thursday did not say if additional action would be taken if charges were filed.

Harris' decision most likely means redshirt freshman Luke Getsy, who did not play last season, will start against Kent State (1-0).

Earlier this week, Harris said the case had become a major distraction as Pitt enters its most anticipated season in 20 years.

Less than three months ago, sophomore wide receiver Billy Gaines fell to his death after a cookout at which five Panthers players allegedly were served alcohol by a priest.

Rutherford led Pittsburgh to a 9-4 record in his first season as a starter, throwing for 2,783 yards and 22 touchdowns. He passed for a touchdown in a 38-13 victory over Oregon State in the Insight Bowl. His 3,181 yards in total offense set a school record and were the third most in Big East Conference history.

 

[AR182]

i read yesterday on the scrawl that runs at the bottom of espn that rutherford would suit up, but not start. he may be put in during the game.