Mankato police arrested former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson early Sunday after an apparent assault, according to a release on the city’s website.
Police came across 24-year-old Isaac Dallas Kolstad, who appeared to have been assaulted, near downtown Mankato. Police then found Nelson, 20, near the scene. He was taken into custody for probable-cause assault, the release says.
Kolstad, who played linebacker at Minnesota State University, Mankato from 2011-2013, was brought to a local hospital. The Pioneer Press says he is listed in critical condition.
Charges of third degree assault have been requested against Nelson, according to the release. The newspaper says Nelson will likely be arraigned on Monday or Tuesday.
Police are also looking for another person involved in the incident.
Mug shot of former @GopherSports QB and current @RFootball transfer Philip Nelson. Accused of assault. pic.twitter.com/mjcCNAMwdS
— Jay Knoll (@jayknoll) May 11, 2014
Both Kolstad and Nelson are from Mankato, FOX 9 says. Nelson played high school football at Mankato West, while Kolstad played at Mankato East, the news station reports.
In January, Nelson announced that he was transferring to Rutgers University after playing two seasons with the Gophers. Nelson started 16 games with Minnesota, throwing for 2,179 yards and 17 touchdowns, while rushing for 548 yards and another six touchdowns.
While playing at Mankato West, Nelson set many school records, was named Minnesota’s Mr. Football, the Associated Press Minnesota Player of the Year and ESPN Gatorade Minnesota Player of the Year, the Mankato Free Press reports.
Kolstad was a safety on the North Dakota State football team in 2008 and 2009 before transferring to MSU, Mankato. He graduated in December 2013 with a B.S. in management from the school’s College of Business, according to the Pioneer Press.
Former MSU player and current Minnesota Viking Adam Thielen tweeted the following on Sunday:
Please everyone keep @IsaacKolstad22 in your prayers! He is an amazing person and is a fighter and will get through this! Love ya bud
— Adam Thielen (@athielen19) May 11, 2014
Kolstad’s high school also sent out a tweet of support:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Isaac Kolstad and the Kolstad family.
— Cougar Activities (@Mankato_East) May 11, 2014
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Mankato police at 507-387-8780.
