Andrew Hayek, a 22-year-old Coon Rapids man who was allegedly beaten by Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Caleb King, is "up and moving and doing better" after being treated for a fractured skull and facial injuries that included having his nose "completely reconstructed," his sister said Sunday.

Hayek, an Anoka-Ramsey Community College student who authorities say may have suffered "a serious brain injury," remained hospitalized Sunday while King, a Vikings practice squad player much of last season, remained in custody at the Anoka County jail. King, 24, could be charged Monday.

King "is a professional athlete and my brother is 5-foot-6 and about 130 pounds," said Hayek's sister, Jenny Eagle, with whom Hayek lives. King is listed by the Vikings at 5-foot-11 and 217 pounds.

"My brother wouldn't start this," Eagle said. "He's in a lot of pain."

Hayek arrived at a birthday party in Oak Grove around 10 p.m. Friday, said Eagle, who said she was not at the party. She said she was told that King was already at the party and that many of those in attendance had been drinking for hours by the time Hayek arrived.

Hayek did not know King, but their female companions were friends, Eagle said. Hayek and King "were pretty chummy until they left" the party, Eagle said she was told.

When Hayek told King around 3:15 a.m. Saturday that he resembled Eddie Murphy, the mood changed dramatically, Eagle said she was told.

According to an Anoka County Sheriff's report, Hayek went outside to wait in a vehicle for a ride home. King allegedly confronted Hayek outside the car and struck him in the face.

Hayek got into the car, locked the passenger door and called 911. King allegedly opened the driver's side door, pulled Hayek from the car and struck him several times in the head and face before throwing Hayek head first to the ground.

Hayek grew up in foster care, Eagle said. He was 7 years old when Antonio and Sandra Arellano, now of Ramsey, brought him into their family.

"This could not have been a racial issue," Eagle said of the confrontation between Hayek and King. "My parents opened their home to all colors and ethnic backgrounds. Andrew grew up with a variety of backgrounds under one roof."

Eagle, who said she is a registered nurse, said that hospital staff told her family that it could be two weeks before physicians would know the effect of any infection or swelling of the brain.

"Andrew is a Vikings fan," his sister said, "but probably not any more."

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419