Penn State’s offseason woes continued over the weekend, as linebacker Sean Lee, touted as one of the Nittany Lions’ next captains, tore a knee ligament during practice and will most likely miss all of next season.

Lee, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Friday, will have surgery within the next month and then will need about nine months of rehabilitation, the team doctor said.
 
Lee, the leading returning tackler for Penn State, has a year of eligibility left.

The Pittsburgh native notched 138 tackles last season, good for second in the Big Ten. Lee also had 10½ tackles for a loss, 3½ sacks, forced three fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and had one interception.

The news came just days after suspended Penn State receiver Chris Bell was kicked off the team after university police charged him with threatening another player with a knife.

The 21-year-old from Norfolk, Va., faces charges including terroristic threats and simple assault, both misdemeanors, after the encounter April 7 at a team dining facility. No one was hurt.

"Chris Bell, who had been previously suspended from team activities, is permanently removed from the team and will not be reconsidered to be a part of the team in the future," said a one-line statement released by Penn State athletics.

Bell started the first two games of the 2007 season but overall saw little playing time, catching seven passes for 143 yards.

He is one of six Penn State players to be suspended this offseason.

The athletic department cited academics and off-field issues in announcing Bell's suspension in February.