Prosecution Expert’s Report Favors Former Gopher QB

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — A prosecution expert says a kick by former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson probably did not cause the critical brain injury suffered by former Minnesota State, Mankato, player Isaac Kolstad.

Pathologist Michael McGee tells the prosecutor most and maybe all of Kolstad's injuries stem from an initial punch by another defendant and Kolstad's subsequent fall to the street.

Trevor Shelley, of St. Peter, is charged with assault for allegedly punching Kolstad, while Nelson is charged with assault for allegedly kicking Kolstad in the head during the altercation in downtown Mankato May 11.

A defense expert reached the same conclusion earlier. Nelson's attorney, Jim Fleming, tells KTOE-AM the new medical opinion provides further reason to dismiss the charges against Nelson.

Prosecutor Pat McDermott says he forward the report to the judge.