Former Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson is looking to move to a Californian college, as he awaits sentencing for assault.
According to the Mankato Free Press, court documents in Nelson’s case indicate he is considering a move to Fresno State University in California.
However, after news of the offer broke, Nelson’s family found out the offer could be withdrawn.
“These universities are very finicky, they’re very fickle,” said Nelson’s attorney Jim Fleming.
Last month, Nelson pleaded guilty to fifth-degree assault, a misdemeanor, for kicking former Minnesota State football player Isaac Kolstad in the head during a fight in downtown Mankato last May.
Originally, he was facing a first-degree assault charge. The former quarterback can be seen on surveillance video apparently kicking Kolstad in the head, but doctors say Nelson’s kick didn’t cause Kolstad’s injuries.
Trevor Shelley has also been charged with assault in the case.
The news was discovered in a response from Fleming, to a request from Kolstad’s family attorney Ken White to delay Nelson’s sentencing from February 25 to March 5, before both parties agreed on March 2, the Free Press reports.
“Additionally, even with this six day delay, this delay is jeopardizing Mr. Nelson’s ability to attend school,” Fleming wrote. “He has been advised that a delay of the sentencing will result in his not being accepted at Fresno State University.”
Before the incident involving Kolstad, Nelson transferred from Minnesota to Rutgers and was a member of the Scarlets football team. But he started the majority of the Gophers’ games during the 2013-2014 season – including Minnesota’s Texas Bowl loss to Syracuse.
Nelson was released from the Rutgers program following the incident in Mankato.
While there was no indication if the offer included an opportunity to play football at Fresno State, it appears the opportunity itself is now in jeopardy.
The @Mankatonews is reporting that #FresnoState has withdrawn their offer to accept fmr Minnesota QB Philip Nelson
— Titanus Kanejira 🇳🇱 (@FightOnTwist) February 5, 2015
