Nick Hogan Talks Racing, While Severely Injured Friend A Mere Footnote In His Thoughts
Celebrities are some of the most audacious people. As a group, they amaze me with their ability to ignore the negative, while trying to make “us” focus on the positive.
For example, Nick Hogan, the 17-year-old son of famous professional wrestler Hulk Hogan made his first public statement since an accident 2 months ago which left his friend in a vegetative state with permanent brain damage. John Graziano, a Marine who had returned home from two tours of duty in Iraq, had been a passenger in the suped-up Toyota Supra Nick crashed while drag racing on a Clearwater, Florida street. The car was totaled, and Nick managed to walk away with a few bruises, his buddy John, not so much.
The resulting carnage has torn two families apart, and for the Hogan family’s part in this, they have merely made excuse after excuse for their son’s reckless behavior.
Perhaps trying to put the accident and resulting trauma behind him, Nick posted on his blog a message which focused on his upcoming racing gigs and excitedly announced he has a sponsor. From Nick’s MySpace page:
“omggggg its been forever since i blogged…hell i dont even know what blog means but i guess its where you write stuff for people to read
anyways my last one was before i even drove for mopar, if you check my pics youll see that i did end up driving for them for my amateur season and most of my pro rookie season. i recently left the mopar team tho…things didnt work out to wellbut!….i picked up a new title sponsor…POLAROID! and started my own team with twin 350z’s pretty cool i knowanyways id like everyone to wish my luck for my 08 season and keep john graziano in your prayers”
Nick sounds so upbeat and optimistic. And why shouldn’t we wish him luck in his racing career? He’s proven himself to be a responsible driver and has shown real maturity for his age. Nothing says personal growth like admitting you have cars which are guaranteed “panty droppers,” plus, Nick showed real grace under pressure with local law enforcement after being stopped twice in one day for going over 100mph on the freeway.
When you think about it, it’s good to be Nick Hogan. Zero responsibility, nary a hint of culpability. It shows real big brass balls to make your first public statement after a tragic car accident, a post bragging about your up-and-coming racing career.
But it sure sucks to be his friend John, who will remain in a vegetative state while his family watches him succumb to atrophy, with his “quality of life” forever stolen from him.
Celebrity justice is oh so sweet.
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To use an 80’s phrase — “gag me.”
How long until he’s Britney’s new boyfriend?
Comment by crazymom — October 23, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
That guy is a bastard… a fucking bastard.
Comment by Gino Green Global — October 23, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
First off, do people realize that he talks about John on the main page of his myspace? And 2nd, he already got reamed a new a-hole for talking about John before on a public forum, so what is he supposed to do? Talk about John, or not talk about John? No matter what he says, he get’s shit for it.
Comment by Jen — October 23, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
First off, do you realize that if it wasn’t for this speeding, selfish, self-centered, celebrity jerkoff, John wouldn’t be IN the hospital right now? He flaunted the law several times for his own personal benefit. He had several cops obviously starstruck. He FLAGRANTLY BROKE THE LAW. He has no regard for anyone but himself and his ambitions.
Second, you know what he should be doing? Taking a remedial driving course. Better yet, have his license taken. And he should appear remorseful, not selfish. “Looka me, I’m racin’, I’m racin’…oh, pray for the guy I almost killed by being a jackass.”
You know why? Because he is SEVENTEEN. And he’s a spoiled brat.
Comment by k — October 23, 2007 @ 7:38 pm
Okay, first off, I’m not saying Nick Hogan doesn’t need to be punished. I’m saying that if it were you who got into an accident and someone nearly died because of it, every little thing you said and did wouldn’t end up on TMZ. And second, you don’t know anything about what happened or what Nick feels like. You, along with the rest of the herd, just swallow whatever shit the media shoves down your throat and assume that they know everything. The courts will take care of Nick the way they see fit, but Nick has every right to blog about his career to his friends on his PERSONAL MySpace.
Comment by Jen — October 23, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
Nick doesn’t have the right to do 99.9% of anything except keep his mouth shut, spend his time praying and ultimately thinking of ways he can spend his life paying back the family who he has devastated, not by accident, but by a flagrant disregard for the law and the safety of others.
It is a sheer twist of dumb luck he didn’t injure anyone else.
He has no more rights than a drunk driver who has killed or maimed an innocent person
I am appalled that ANYONE would defend this clown. Are you that clueless Jen? I mean really, are you?
Comment by D — October 23, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
He was speeding. He has a history of speeding. He was racing. He has a history of racing. He was driving recklessly. He has a history of driving recklessly. Roads were wet. He was on a public street. You tell me what happened that night, since you know so much first-hand about the situation, because reputable news agencies have reported the above.
Personally, I don’t give half a crap what Nick feels like. He OUGHT to feel remorse, but I have a feeling he is just upset that his p*ssy magnet yellow Supra (you know, the one that makes girls’ panties drop off) is torn up.
And if he wants to keep things personal, that’s what they make email lists for. Better yet, that’s what they make phones and face-to-face conversations for. You put it out there for everyone to read, then everyone’s gonna have a comment. It’s the nature of the internets. Don’t put it there if you don’t want opinions.
Comment by k — October 23, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
No, D, I’m not clueless. I’m realistic. Until Nick is behind bars, he has the right to do the same things you or I do. It’s the way of this oh so great country called America.
And to you K, as for the media, are you clueless? Sorry I don’t believe everything I read. And no I wasn’t there that night, and at no point did I claim to know what happened. And what reputable news agency said he was racing? That has been rumor from day one.
It just amazes me that when a celebrity does something wrong, here comes the lynch mob. Hang him, kill him, burn him alive, right?
Comment by Jen — October 23, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Here and here. Unless eyewitness reports aren’t good enough for you.
I don’t believe everything I read in the media. I do extensive fact-checking before I hit publish.
If it were Joe Schmo who did this, I’d be equally outraged. One thing I’m outraged about in this case is that it went on so long, UNCHECKED BY THE POLICE, who let him go more than once.
I never said I wanted to hang him or whatever…I just want the same punishment for him that anyone would get, and not have him get preferential treatment because of who he is. Had those policement who let him go PROPERLY done their JOBS, and showed some BALLS, maybe he wouldn’t have been on the road to start with. Hopefully, the judge has a set.
Comment by k — October 23, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
wow it’s getting hot in here. Heated debate. Any way think it’s pretty clear that the guy is missing some sense of right and wrong. At 17 if I had put on of my closest friends into a coma (undisputed fact my friends) I would be inconsolable and definitely rethinking my career in racing. Where is the remorse? This isn’t about holding celebs to a higher moral standard this is about common human decency or lack there of.
Comment by ebayer — October 23, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
As weve been saying on our webcasts, the only way Nick will learn, is when he becomes a vegetable or cripple himself. The FL law enforcement is to blame just as much. In our perfect world, he can drive his piss yellow car off a cliff, drop 10000 feet, and have a plume of smoke. No sound. Just like a Wild E Coyote cartoon.
Comment by Don Tony — October 23, 2007 @ 9:25 pm
#11: You might be interested in our series of articles here.
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Comment by k — October 23, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Jen QUIT WHINING!!!!
Comment by Katie — October 24, 2007 @ 1:45 am
#13: GREAT!
k gives a round of applause
Comment by k — October 24, 2007 @ 1:50 am
It’s very comforting to know that for every one Jen, there are countless Katie’s, Ebayers, k’s, crazymom’s etc.
Most sane people understand that accidents happen. No one is immune and tragedy can strike out of nowhere, but this wasn’t a mere accident, this was a pattern of reckless behavior that had a tragic result. And as is typical of the phrase, the Lord does protect drunks and fools. Sadly, it didn’t protect innocent passengers who.
Funny how Nick was wearing his seatbelt and his friend was not. NO ONE is allowed to drive in my car with me and NOT wear a seatbelt. I can’t control what happens when I am not in the driver’s seat, but you can be sure I take whatever precautions I can to protect those in my care.
That’s the difference between a mature person and a reckless, inexperienced asshole.
Truthfully, most people under 21 shouldn’t be allowed to drive. We need stricter laws and law enforcement officers who aren’t susceptible to being starstruck.
It’s like an illness.
Comment by D — October 24, 2007 @ 7:27 am
It’s funny that no one is listening to what I’m saying. I’m not saying Nick shouldn’t be punished for what he did, but you people wouldn’t be posting on a blog if he weren’t famous. And as for the police in FL, yeah they’re dip shits. I went to Florida once, for only ONE day, and there were cars zooming passed me. They had to be going over 100mph. No way in hell you’d get away with that where I’m from. BTW, Katie, I’m not whining. I’m just not one of those people who thinks celebrities deserve more attention than your average Joe. And if it were average Joe, you guys wouldn’t be as outraged because it wouldn’t be all over the media. Does anyone actually see my point now that I’ve made it perfectly clear?
Comment by Jen — October 24, 2007 @ 10:34 am
I saw your point a long time ago. And I used to live in Florida, so I know the drivers.
Since he IS a celebrity, he is in the public eye. It wouldn’t be hard for him to not be in the public eye…other celeb’s kids have done it. But he wants to be in the public eye…he courts it. Therefore, when he does something, it IS all over the press. And when he does something like this, he IS going to get backlash. It’s really just that simple. You can’t turn the press on and off when you want.
And please don’t tell me how outraged I would or would not be if this were an average Joe. Seeing as how I’ve had my life touched by drunk driving/reckless driving more than once (no, not saying he was drunk, but using that as an example of those who drive recklessly), please don’t presume to tell me how I would or would not react, or if I would or would not be outraged, or to what level that outrage would take. I’ve had family members die from actions such as those of Nick. They weren’t famous people at all, yet I was still outraged.
And perhaps by posting on this blog, someone will learn from Nick’s mistake and think twice before doing something stupid like this. One bad decision such as Nick’s can affect people for the rest of their lives.
Comment by k — October 24, 2007 @ 10:44 am
I’m saying you wouldn’t be outraged because you wouldn’t have heard about it. If it happened to someone you knew, then of course you would be affected and have every right to be outraged. But there are too many people who don’t know anyone involved who are way too quick to jump to conclusions and be judgemental. People should wait for the facts to come in from the police and other authorities, not just the media.
Comment by Jen — October 24, 2007 @ 10:58 am
So because I haven’t heard about every single person who has ever been injured/killed or injured/killed someone else by reckless, stupid actions, I can’t be outraged by the idea in general?
Sorry, but since this is a public persona, and their actions are covered by the media, and I have now read about it, and I have been invited to write here, I have every right to say anything I’d like about this situation, and any other situation I choose to cover. You are also free to like or not like, to agree or not agree.
Based on eyewitness accounts, based on what the police have said, and based on his past history, I have to say that if it looks like a duck, if it walks a duck, if it quacks like a duck, and if it drives fast like a race car driver on a city street, I’d have to say it’s a really fast duck.
Comment by k — October 24, 2007 @ 11:12 am
Now you’re just twisting my words. And as for people in the public eye deserving to be abused by the media and the public, or asking for it, that’s wrong on many levels. Why do you think people like Johnny Depp leave the country? Because people here have a twisted notion that a celebrity’s personal business is up for grabs, and they think it’s okay for websites like TMZ to stalk celebrities and report there every move. It’s just that simple, right? You’re a celebrity, so you have to stay in your home 24/7, or else. It’s not okay to think that way. But that is a whole different debate and off topic. I’m going to agree to disagree because I have other things to do now. It’s been interesting, have a nice day.
Comment by Jen — October 24, 2007 @ 11:24 am
I never said that celebrities should stay at home all the time and never do anything. What I am saying is that it’s a two-edged sword…you can’t actively court the press on one hand, and then expect them to turn a blind eye when you do something bad on the other hand.
As far as “people here”, we report on stories that are of interest to us, not every story out there. If I can get people to think twice before doing something like this, then yes…I will write stories, I will comment, I will do this until my fingers fall off.
And if you’d bothered to read any of my other stories, you’d see that I have said that media gets too intrusive into stars very private lives. But you also have people who openly invite the press into every little thing, and then wonder why they have no privacy.
I don’t have anything better to do…this is the best job I’ve ever had.
Comment by k — October 24, 2007 @ 11:34 am
Jen, one last thing I’d like to point out, as k’s done a fabulous job thus far, celebrities DO deserve extra scrutiny as they make a living (and a darn good one) off of their celebrity status. They also receive the benefit of being allowed to act like bigger asses than the rest of us because they are famous, therefore they should be held to a higher standard than regular folks in their behavior as it pertains to the public.
No one’s complaining about how Nick treats his mom, or his girlfriend or any other private matter, we are complaining about the way he drives on public streets. I have children and loved ones in this world and whether it be Nick Hogan or some avg. Joe, I would be just as outraged by his behavior and subsequent lack of remorse.
It’s not hard to show remorse, even if you are famous.
Your expectations of famous people is exceptionally low. Mine is exceptionally high because they have chosen their profession and are paid handsomely. Its a give and take.
Comment by D — October 24, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
eh…blame the parents…what teenager can handle fame, fortune, and little discipline? what a shame.
Comment by huh — October 24, 2007 @ 8:58 pm
hes a 17 year old kid that made a mistake. Yes, he should be punnished, but he is not a horrible person. He simply made a mistake
Comment by W — October 24, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
[...] a few days ago when D posted her article about Nick Hogan (or whatever his name is, I don’t really care) blogging on MySpace? [...]
Pingback by GlossLip » Nick Hogan Bollea Whatever Does Not Have Polaroid Backing After All — October 26, 2007 @ 2:08 am
NICK BOLLEA = PRODUCT BOYCOTT
Comment by Deborah — October 26, 2007 @ 4:13 pm
I certainly hope all Nick’s current sponsors wake up to the smell of burnt auto parts and drop him. He is not a viable spokesperson for any of their products and has done far more harm to the sport than good. Until or if he ever grows up, takes some real responsibility for his actions - any sponsorship of him by any company will be considered distastful by most customers.
Comment by Rick_VT — October 29, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
everybody is balming nick for this terrible thing that happened to john, but do u think john werent up 4 racing or speeding!
Comment by ashley — October 31, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
Do your teachers know you are in the library reading this website?
Comment by k — October 31, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Wow. What a lousy human being. Really shows that given the sad state of pop culture in America that this scumbag even shows on our radar screens…
Comment by Mark — November 2, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
The kid is shallow, spoiled, and an obvious idiot who cares only for himself, and his own little world. You can thank his wonderful materialistic parents for that! I have no respect for those people whatsoever. Hulk Hogan can just disappear as far as I’m concerned. His career is washed up, not that it was much of a career.
Comment by Sue — November 3, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
all you are fucking stuped so he was racing so he was speeding most every one has done both thought things in there life they could have been the one in the reck to he is a cleb so let take every thing out on him john did not put on his seat belt john was a armdforces guy he should have been smart enough to do that righ he made it home twice from the war so how is it nicks falt for him not putting his seat belt on we are all in the rong at times and god is the only one we should have to anser to cause in the end that is who is in charg thank you
Comment by T — November 9, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
[...] Mal Ahern article is brought to you using rss feeds.The latest breaking celebrity gossip news.Celebrities are some of the most audacious people. As a group, they amaze me with their ability to ignore the negative, while trying to make “us†focus on the positive. For example, Nick Hogan, the 17-year-old son of famous professional … [...]
Pingback by Celebrity Hollywood News » Blog Archive » Nick Hogan Talks Racing, While Severely Injured Friend A Mere … — December 28, 2007 @ 3:44 am