In the heat of the moment, emotions might run high, and sometimes people find themselves in uncharacteristic situations. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that any ensuing criminal charges can be backed up with reliable evidence. These issues may come up after the recent arrest of a former University of Minnesota quarterback.
The incident in question occurred as bars in downtown Mankato were closing early on a Sunday morning. According to witnesses, the 20-year-old quarterback was upset about the attention others were giving to his girlfriend.
The 20-year-old allegedly kicked a 24-year-old man in the head after someone else punched the 24-year-old. The 24-year-old man was critically injured. Authorities claim that the alleged assault was videoed, but the accused young man’s attorney says the video doesn’t make it clear who caused the other man’s injuries.
The accused football player, who had already transferred to Rutgers University, is charged with two counts of felony assault. After the allegations were made public, he was released from the Rutgers football team. The incident goes to show that even simply being accused of a crime can have long-lasting effects. This young man has lost his spot with the team before his case has progressed through the criminal justice system.
He will now have to decide how to address the charges against him. In many cases, going to trial is the best option for protecting the rights and freedom of a defendant. Police and prosecutors do make mistakes, and sometimes defendants are wrongly accused.
If you would like to learn more about defending against criminal charges in Minnesota, then please visit our criminal defense website.
Source: Madison.com, “College football: Rutgers dismisses former Gophers QB Philip Nelson after felony assault charges in Minnesota,” Rob Hernandez, May 13, 2014