Ex-Gophers QB Philip Nelson takes plea deal in Mankato assault

Former University of Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson announced Tuesday that he will plead guilty to fifth degree assault in the fight that left Isaac Kolstad severely injured last May in Mankato, Minn.

"I am saddened by what happened on May 11, 2014," Nelson said in a statement. "I have filed a petition to enter a plea of guilty to a Fifth Degree Assault."

Nelson acknowledged that he didn't remember what happened that night after he was hit in the head, but knows he let down his family and friends.

"After-effects of a concussion can include post-traumatic amnesia, and this is what occurred in Mr. Nelson's case," Fleming said. "As a result, Mr. Nelson does not have a memory of this May 11 incident, but Mr. Nelson has reviewed the video and acknowledges what he did."

RAW VIDEO – The Mankato fight that injured Isaac Kolstad

According to Fleming, Nelson completed a petition to enter a plea of guilty to a misdemeanor, and the felony charges against him have been dropped.

"I offer my sincere apologies to everyone involved," Nelson said. "I wish Isaac Kolstad the best as he continues in his recovery."

A plea hearing is set for 8 a.m. Wednesday in Mankato.