Scott, a fifth-year senior running back, was suspended from the team Friday for an unspecified violation of team rules.
Asked about the suspension, JoAnn Scott said, ''We've been advised not to comment until we get to the bottom of the misunderstanding.''
Scott was not in uniform for Penn State's game Saturday against Iowa, and two sources said his locker was cleaned out Friday.
''I don't know about whether he'll return to the team at all,'' JoAnn Scott said.
After the game, Penn State coach Joe Paterno said that Scott's ''status is very much in doubt right now'' but would not speculate further on the Parkland High graduate's future.
''Scott broke a team rule, and I think that's as much as I'm going to say,'' Paterno said. The coach's weekly press conference is scheduled for today.
Scott could not be reached for comment. Players and coaches have been told not to talk about Scott's situation.
Scott had rushed for 302 yards and a team-high six touchdowns through the first five games. He began the season as the No. 1 running back and rushed for 116 yards in the victory over Notre Dame. But he lost the starting job after fumbling three times in the next two games. Scott returned to gain 52 yards and a touchdown against Illinois on Sept. 29.
Against Iowa last Saturday, senior Rodney Kinlaw and redshirt freshman Evan Royster combined for 254 yards rushing in the Lions' 27-7 victory.
After the game, Kinlaw said he had spoken with Scott but would not comment further.
''Austin's a great guy, and hopefully everything will go right with him,'' receiver Derrick Williams said after the game.
Game time announced: Penn State's Oct. 20 game at Indiana will kick off at noon on either ESPN or ESPN2.
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