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Philip Nelson, a 20-year-old quarterback at Rutgers University. He’s a accused of kicking a Minnesota player, Isaac Kolstad, into a coma. According to The Star-Ledger, Kolstad is fighting for his life. Nelson has been arrested in relation to the crime, charged with third-degree assault. The attack happened in downtown Mankato near a cove of bars at Front and Cherry Streets.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Kolstad’s Head Was Used Like a ‘Soccer Ball’
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According to reports, the attack happened at a party and Nelson is accused of using Kolstad’s head “like it was a soccer ball.”
2. Nelson Just Joined Rutgers in January
Confirmed that former #Gophers QB Philip Nelson is transferring to Rutgers. He'll be coming back to TCF Bank Stadium in 2016.
— Marcus R. Fuller (@GophersNow) January 29, 2014
Nelson had just transferred to Rutgers in January 2014 after leaving Minnesota State-Mankato. The reason for his transfer was that he wanted to play for a team who would use him as more of a passer. Reports at the time suggested that Kansas State were also interested in Nelson.
3. Nelson is a Wisconsin Native
(Facebook)
He’s a native of Mankato, Minnesota. In high school, he was voted Minnesota’s “Mr. Football.” After being scouted by Big Ten school, reportedly including Wisconsin and Iowa State, Nelson committed early to Minnesota in February 2011.
4. There’s Another Suspect Being Sought in the Attack
Police are looking for a second suspect in the attack. According to Steph Stassen, a grad student at Minnesota, a man appeared from nowhere and punched Kolstad in the face prior to being kicked. The Star Tribune reports that the other suspect is in his 20s and was wearing a red shirt with jeans. His shirt was torn as he attacked Kolstad. Witnesses say that Kolstad was unconscious after the first punch and he fell straight to the ground, not bracing his fall.
5. Issac Kolstad is Married With a Child
Kolstad pictured with his wife. (Facebook)
His victim, Kolstad, is a 24-year-old former linebacker at Minnesota State-Mankato, may suffer from permanent brain damage. Kolstad has children with his wife Molly and was out on Saturday night celebrating his graduation.
