BIG EAST Panthers' Rutherford won't start opener

The senior quarterback is expected to play at some point during the game.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Senior quarterback Rod Rutherford won't be allowed to start No. 10 Pittsburgh's opener Saturday against Kent State as he awaits word whether he will be charged for a late-night dispute with a woman last weekend.
Coach Walt Harris said Thursday that while no charges have been filed, Rutherford is being disciplined for violating team rules. Rutherford is expected to play at some point during the game but will not start.
The decision came as Pittsburgh police investigate a complaint by a 19-year-old woman that Rutherford confronted her and two other women outside a nightspot early Monday morning, kicked in a car window and grabbed her arm. Rutherford disputes that account, saying the woman threw a glass at him in a parking lot.
"I have a great deal of respect for Rod Rutherford," Harris said. "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."
Rutherford will be disciplined in other ways, Harris said, but the coach would not reveal what that punishment would be. He also did not say if any additional action would be taken publicly should Rutherford be charged.
Earlier this week, Harris agreed the Rutherford incident had become a major distraction as Pitt heads into its most anticipated season in 20 years.
"The focus of the entire team and coaching staff is now on getting ready to play and I will have no further statement on this matter until the legal process has been concluded," Harris said.
What happened
The incident at a South Side bar and grill followed a Labor Day event for college students. Rutherford and several other Pitt athletes were listed as special invited guests on flyers passed out to students.
According to promoters, who were not allowed to compensate Rutherford, the quarterback appeared to be calm and enjoying himself during the event and was not seen drinking alcohol.
The Rutherford altercation came less than three months after Pitt sophomore wide receiver Billy Gaines fell to his death after a cookout at which five Panthers players were allegedly served alcohol by a Roman Catholic priest.
Harris' decision likely means redshirt freshman Luke Getsy, who did not play last season, will start against Kent State (1-0).
Getsy was expected to be the No. 3 quarterback behind Rutherford and sophomore Tyler Palko, but moved past Palko this week.
Harris apparently wants to redshirt Palko, who used up a year of eligibility last season despite playing little as Rutherford's backup.
Rutherford, a former Pittsburgh City League high school star, led Pittsburgh to a 9-4 record in his first season as a starter, throwing for 2,783 yards and 22 touchdowns in Harris' pro-style offense. He also passed for a touchdown in a 38-13 victory over Oregon State in the Insight Bowl.