Ex-Gophers Quarterback Reaches Plea Deal in Assault Case

MANKATO (AP) - The attorney for Philip Nelson says the former Minnesota Gophers quarterback has agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from a fight that injured former Minnesota State, Mankato, linebacker Isaac Kolstad.

Nelson had been charged with two felonies resulting from the fight in Mankato May 11. Defense attorney James Fleming said Tuesday that Nelson will enter the guilty plea to fifth-degree assault, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 90 days.

Fleming said three doctors had confirmed a "lack of medical certainty" on whether Nelson's kick caused Kolstad's critical brain injury. Fleming had filed a motion for dismissal of charges. Instead an agreement was reached with prosecutors.

A forensic pathologist hired by the defense said an initial punch allegedly thrown by another defendant most likely caused Kolstad's injuries.