Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State basketball departed ontheir week-longforeign tour in the Bahamas yesterday. The team will get to play three games against professional teams local tothe islands,butthey'll also spend plenty of time soaking in the sun. These tours aren't intended to be any more ofabusiness tripthanavacation for the coaches and players.

However, the program announced during football's media day that one vital player was left behind. Redshirt sophomore Mike Watkins did not travel with the team this week. Ashort statement releasedby head coach Pat Chambers seems to describeWatkins' exclusion asa disciplinary action.

With Watkins already expected to rejoin the team next week upon their return, it's likely this remains an internal matter.But missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience at aBahamas resort with your teammates is a strong message to send by the head coach. This is a disappointing setback for a playerwhose progress on the court and in the classroom had been praised over his first two years in the program.

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Mike Watkins Held Back from Foreign Tour in Bahamas - Roar Lions Roar