Whether or not you are of the belief that he deserves it, Philip Nelson is getting a second chance at an FBS playing career.
According to a Minneapolis Star Tribune report from late this past week, Nelson’s father has confirmed that his son has moved on to South Alabama and will play for the Sun Belt program in 2015. For what it’s worth, USA has yet to confirm the quarterback’s addition to its roster.
When it does, though, it may have some explaining and/or spinning to do.
In May of last year, Nelson, then a Rutgers Scarlet Knight, was arrested in connection to a vicious assault outside of a Mankato, Minn., bar. Nelson was ultimately charged with first- and third-degree assault, both felonies, in an incident that left the victim, former Div. II football player Isaac Kolstad, hospitalized and fighting for his life.
The Kolstad family had released a statement at one point a year ago confirming that the 24-year-old Kolstad, who is married and has a young daughter, was on life support and had a portion of his brain removed after allegedly being kicked in the head by Nelson and punched by another male who is facing charges as well. Kolstad, who Nelson’s attorney had accused of throwing a sucker punch that triggered the fight, is making steady progress from his injuries.
Nelson ultimately pleaded guilty to lesser charges earlier this year and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and credited for serving two days in jail. It was concluded by a prosecution witness that the other male charged had caused Kolstad’s brain injury, which led to a plea agreement that also included a $300 fine.
In January of last year, Nelson transferred from Minnesota to Rutgers. He was dismissed by the Scarlet Knights shortly after being charged in connection to the beating.
In 2012 and 2013, Nelson, who was a three-star member of the Gophers’ 2012 recruiting class, started 16 games. Nine of those starts came as a true sophomore in a 2013 season in which he led the run-heavy Gophers in passing yards (1,306) and passing touchdowns (nine). He was also third in rushing yards (364) and rushing touchdowns (six).
Prior to moving on to USA, Fresno State, Georgia and Ole Miss were in the mix for his services. Nj.com wrote that “the SEC schools moved on as the legal process dragged.”
Nelson will now have two years of eligibility remaining.