Assaulted Ex-Football Player Responds to Commands

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) - The family of a former Minnesota State, Mankato football player says he's responding to his neurosurgeon's commands for the first time since being beaten more than three weeks ago.

Reports say Isaac Kolstad's brother-in-law detailed Kolstad's progress on a CaringBridge website Tuesday.

Mike Fleming writes that Kolstad twice responded to his neurosurgeon's verbal commands to give a thumbs-up.

Fleming says doctors have told the family that if Kolstad is able to follow a command, "he will be in the best place for a possible recovery."

Kolstad suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury in a May 11 fight in downtown Mankato. He remains in critical condition.

Prosecutors have charged former Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson, of Mankato, and Trevor Shelley, of St. Peter, with assaulting Kolstad.