Rutgers quarterback Phillip Nelson was arrested early Sunday morning on suspicion of assault. On Monday police in Minnesota charged Nelson with one count of first-degree assault and another for third-degree assault. Nelson allegedly kicked a former D2 football player, Isaac Kolstad, in the head during an altercation in Mankato, Minnesota. Kolstad is reportedly in critical condition. Multiple reports say doctors are unsure Kolstad will survive the attack.
Kolstad played linebacker for Minnesota State-Mankato. According t police reports, Kolstad was punched and knocked to the ground by another unidentified suspect, who remains at large. Nelson allegedly kicked Kolstad in the head. There is no motive known publicly at this time.
Nelson transferred from Minnesota to Rutgers in January. NCAA transfer rules require Nelson to sit out the 2014 football season. For now, football eligibility is the least important part of the story.