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The Associated Press
Mankato, Minn.

Ex-Gophers quarterback reaches plea deal in assault case

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Philip Nelson
In this May 11, 2014, booking photo provided by Blue Earth County Jail, Philip Nelson, 20, is seen. The former Minnesota Gophers quarterback was charged with one count of first-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault. Former Minnesota State, Mankato, linebacker Isaac Dallas Kolstad was in critical condition Monday after an alleged assault involving Nelson.
Blue Earth County Jail via AP 2014

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 on 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.