Nelson was originally charged with two felonies following the May 11 fight outside a bar in Mankato, Minn., that left Isaac Kolstad, a former linebacker at Minnesota State, with a serious brain injury. Now, according to the Associated Press, Nelson will plead guilty to fifth-degree assault, which “carries a maximum jail sentence of 90 days.”
Nelson’s attorney, James Fleming, cited the reports of three doctors who determined that there was a “lack of medical certainty” if the kick delivered from Nelson to Kolstad caused the serious brain injury. Instead, “a forensic pathologist hired by the defense” concluded that a punch thrown by another defendant “most likely caused Kolstad’s injuries.”
With this testimony at hand, Fleming filed for Nelson’s charges to be dropped, leading to the plea agreement (in which both felonies were dropped).
Per the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Nelson issued a statement through Fleming:
“I am saddened by what happened on May 11, 2014. I still don’t remember what happened that night after I was hit in the head, but I recognize that I let down my family and friends by my actions. I offer my sincere apologies to everyone involved, and I wish Isaac Kolstad the best as he continues in his recovery.”
According to witnesses, the fight brief fight began when Nelson pushed Kolstad after mistaking him for a bouncer who had kissed his girlfriend.
From the AP:
Witnesses told investigators that Nelson shoved Kolstad, a 2013 graduate, after mistaking him for a bouncer who had kissed his girlfriend. Kolstad knocked Nelson to the ground, but as he walked away, a third man punched Kolstad in the head. Surveillance video shows Kolstad dropping to the ground and his head smacking the pavement. Nelson then kicked Kolstad in the head. Trevor Shelley, of St. Peter, is accused of punching Kolstad in the head and is charged with assault.
According to Fleming, Nelson suffered a concussion when he was knocked to the ground. He doesn’t remember delivering the kick, but “has reviewed the video and acknowledges what he did,” according to a Fleming’s statement.
Kolstad’s injury required emergency surgery and doctors were uncertain if he’d survive. He has since spent months recovering and has regained his ability to walk, run and form complete sentences. He returned to his home in Mankato after months at the Mayo Clinic.
Kolstad’s family declined to make a statement, but his attorney, Kenneth White, said the family is disappointed with the plea agreement.
“This case is not simply about a kick in the head. It’s a series of decisions Mr. Nelson made,” White said.
Nelson played at Minnesota for two seasons before transferring to Rutgers, where he never played a down before being kicked off the team following his arrest.
In two seasons with the Gophers, Nelson threw for 2,179 yards and 17 touchdowns while racking up 548 yards and six scores on the ground.
Nelson’s father Pat told the Star that his son hopes to resume his playing career.
For more Minnesota news, GopherIllustrated.com.
For more Rutgers news, visit ScarletNation.com.
- - - - - - -
Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Former Minnesota QB Philip Nelson reaches plea agreement in assault case
No comments:
Post a Comment