Hulk Hogan's Son Nick Bollea Gets Eight Months in Jail

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The 17-year-old son of wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan was sentenced to eight months in jail Friday after he pleaded no contest to causing a crash that seriously injured his best friend.

Nick Bollea was immediately led out of court to begin his sentence. He cast a quick backward glance at his family, then his tie and belt were removed before he was taken to the jail next door.

The judge also ordered Bollea to serve five years of probation and surrender his driving privileges for three years.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, wore a black bandanna and testified on his son's behalf, as did his estranged wife Linda and daughter Brooke.

The family of John Graziano, who was critically hurt in the August crash, asked the judge to impose a sentence of up to a year in jail, well short of the five years Nick Bollea could have received.

The Bolleas, who star in the VH1 reality show "Hogan Knows Best," left the courtroom glumly after the verdict and did not comment.

Nick Bollea was arrested in November and charged with felony reckless driving that caused a serious bodily injury. Authorities say he was street racing his father's 1998 Toyota Supra when he struck a curb, spun in traffic and slammed into a palm tree.

The impact critically injured Graziano, who now needs lifetime medical care. A former Marine who served in Iraq, Graziano was not wearing a seat belt and suffered a broken skull and other severe injuries.

Bollea, who was not seriously hurt, had alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. Authorities cited him for being a driver under 21 operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of .02 percent or higher and having illegal window tinting. He will attend DUI classes and can't drink as terms of his probation.

Assistant State Attorney Scott Rosenwasser said a reconstruction determined Bollea was driving 69 miles per hour on a busy street. The accident came roughly two weeks after Bollea had been cited for driving 82 miles per hour in a construction zone and was one of numerous speeding tickets and warnings on the teen's driving record, Rosenwasser said.

Graziano's family has filed a civil suit against Terry and Linda Bollea, alleging they are liable for their son's actions. The suit is a key reason why Nick Bollea opted not to admit guilt during Friday's hearing.

Graziano's family said through an attorney they were satisfied with the verdict, but wished the judge would have found Bollea guilty.

"Speeding to Nick was a badge of honor," Graziano's mother, Debbie, said during the hearing. "I'm not seeking revenge, only justice."

Graziano, 23, befriended Bollea because of their mutual love of cars, according to testimony Friday. In court, Bollea apologized to the Grazianos, turning his back to the judge and addressing the family directly.

Bollea's family, including his father, described Graziano as a fellow family member who celebrated birthdays, his deployment overseas and other important events at their house.

"Now we're dealing with a void that just can't be filled," Linda Bollea said.

Comments

[Getbent]

He got off light. Arrogant ass.

[rwe]

objectively , if this were any other 17 year old , this would be considered fair if not excessive .Also , what 23 year old would have a 17 year old for a best friend ?

[Raymondf]

Love The Hulkster, but I think 8 years would have been more appropriate.

[rh654]

I have no sympathy for this guy going to prison - he left his friend severely brain damaged.

So once this jerk is free, partying and living the good life once again - this other guy will be living the rest of his life with severe brain damage and his parents will be caring for him 24x7.

This punk is lucky that only his friend was badly injured, he could have very easily maimed or killed some innocent person who was just driving legally on the road.

Nope - no sympathy at all - they should have put this loser away for decades - and hopefully the victims family will strip his family (who knew of their kids actions and driving style - and yet still gave him fast cars to drive) of much of their wealth.

[LawrenceL]

Eight months for DUI, causing an injury to a passenger which will require lifetime care, racing, and having a history of similar speed infractions?

The kid will be out in 5 months, with early release for good behavior.

This is atrocious.

[HuffingPuffing]

The Bolleas are minor celebrities here in Clearwater. Terry Bollea has made more money than he ever dreamed of by playing a character called "Hulk Hogan" and anyone who has watched their "reality show" will be familiar with their lifestyle and how they spend their money - and good luck to them.
As to their wastrel son Nick, he is finally getting some payback for his gross irresponsibility and a reality check of his own as "Hulk Hogan's boy". So Nick, way to go, buddy! You made the front page of the newspapers (above the fold too!) you get tv time of your very own, not overshadowed by your caterwauling sister, and now you get a year in the big house to reflect on your stupidity.
Except you won't. You'll eventually get out of jail, have a big ol' party at Shepherd's where you all hang out and continue acting the fool as your parents bankroll every drunken step of the way. Unlike John Graziano who won't be there to party hearty along with you and the rest of the grinning ninnies and sycophants that make up your posse. Grow up. Get a job. Be a man.

[whatsmyname]

Excellent HufPuf....HULK HOGAN? A BIG FROG IN A LITTLE PUDDLE. HULK, WAS NEVER A MAN RATHER HE WAS A CELEBRITY AND LIKED IT THAT WAY. BUT, Now he has nothing to show for his life unless you count exploitation and failures upon failures. The first ticket, the young boy got would have lost him his driving priviledges and maybe some grounding..... And, not working to buy his first car? Hulk, should serve six-months in the road gang. Yea, it's called the flipside of rights, and that is RESPONSIBILITY! Bottomline, there is nothing for that sorry ass family to be proud of because as a parent you're NEVER FINSIHED Raising kids. How those children turn out is a direct reflection of the parent(s). hogan, ain't nuttin but pitiful, mister pitiful. Just pray, that none of hulk's kids have children...OMG, break the cycle one way or another. Prayers go to Graziano family.

[theidaexpress]

He should have gotten years, but that's the rich for you.

http://www.theidaexpress.com

[jgalvan]

White trailer trash at it's finest.

[JScott]

Well now Terry had to really really hope American Gladiators goes for a long long time so he can get the money from this gig to support essentially another member of his family-for the rest of their life.
Hope the son gets a reality check and Terry too.

[gonavy]

Nick is a minor. The cars were provided by his parents, both of them. Alcohol was from the parents home. So, what punishment are Nick's parents getting? They are responsible for his actions as a minor. This kid got off, he will not serve the whole 8 months, and he knows it.

And will someone please tell me why all these celebrity kids do not have high school diplomas. If anyone can afford a tutor it's these people.

[Catharsis]

If you train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins, you don't need to graduate high school.

[ergoth]

shitty kid, lousy parents, american celebrities. what a culture.

[girlfrombrooklyn]

I am not surprised. I watched the reality show and hoped that most of it was scripted. what a sad family.

[Harrier]

If you can't keep your car straight when you're racing-you deserve it and shouldn't be racing

[LiberalBuzz]

Should have been EIGHT YEARS. The kid is a narcissistic tool who has destroyed the life of his friend just to prove he is an asshole.

Hope he turns into some Bubbs'a bitch while in there.

[hip dibler]

way too lenient.