Rutgers dismissed transfer quarterback Philip Nelson from its football program Tuesday, a day after he was charged with assault for his alleged role in an incident that left a man with a severe head injury.
Former Minnesota State-Mankato linebacker Isaac Kolstad suffered permanent brain damage and is "fighting for his life," according to his father, after Nelson allegedly attacked him this weekend.
"The Rutgers football family's thoughts and prayers are with Isaac Kolstad and his family," Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said in a statement.
Nelson allegedly kicked Kolstad in the head while he was lying on the ground after being struck by another man during an altercation in Mankato, Minn., early Sunday morning.
A judge set Nelson's bail at $20,000. Nelson, charged with first- and third-degree assault, left Blue Earth County Jail on Monday after posting bail with a towel over his head as reporters peppered him with questions, nj.com reported.
Nelson played at Minnesota last season and started nine games, transferring to Rutgers after the season. He had been set to sit out the 2014 season at Rutgers under NCAA transfer rules.
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