Reader comments and editor responses regarding the Hogan family phone calls

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I know it's real cool for people to make fun of the Hogans, but isn't there something wrong with his phone conversations being leaked to the media? This wouldn't be happening if he was Nick Smith. I understand that people in the media get great pleasure at kicking someone when he is down, but this really isn't right.  

A "celebrity" should have the same rights as anyone else and shouldn't get this type of treatment.  I know you made some type of snide comment about Brooke Hogan and how a lot of people go through divorces, but most people are able to go through divorce without a camera crew photographing them at every moment and writing negative stories about them at every moment.

Chris

Powell replies: The calls weren't leaked. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office released them to the media. So, yes, this could happen to "Nick Smith." I've stated several times that I don't understand what purpose it serves to release these recordings to the media, but apparently its common procedure. For what it's worth, inmates and the people they are speaking with are warned repeatedly during their phone conversations that the calls might be recorded.

Brooke wasn't complaining about the tabloids when she was using them to garner publicity for her music career. You just can't have it both ways. The family has brought so much of this on themselves. It would be one thing if Brook wanted to shy away from the spotlight, but she's doing her own reality show, and Nick Hogan was recorded in jail discussing his desire to star in his own reality show once he gets out of jail.

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I was just listening to that short audio clip on TMZ.com and I'm in two minds about it.
 
It seems a bit suspicious that Hulk Hogan and Nick are badmouthing John Graziano when you take into account Hogan was warning Nick about the call being 'rizcorded' in the other leaked conversation.
 
As for the reality show thing, I am wondering whether this was just Hulk's idea to keep Nick positive while he is behind bars. It certainly felt like it was a way to keep him occupied with something to look forward to as he completes his stretch. I find no fault in the attempt to keep his spirits up if that is the intention.
 
David Taylor

Powell replies: I am surprised that TMZ chose to edit the audio footage and doesn't give its users the option of listening to the entire phone call. I don't think it would change anything, but I'd like to hear what was said before and after Hulk and Nick made those ridiculous comments.

I have no problem with Hulk trying to lift his son's spirits, but that's probably giving him too much credit given everything we've learned about this family. Either way, Nick's concern about getting as much money as he can was a real turnoff.

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What I found interesting was when Nick Hogan said John Graziano "was" negative, as if he is dead. He clearly has moved on as far as giving a shit about his "friend."

Josh Marino

Powell replies: I didn't read too much into that. I don't think it's uncommon to speak about someone who has undergone significant mental changes (Alzheimer's, brain trauma, etc.) in the past tense. I worked in a nursing home and spent time with residents who suffered from Alzheimer's and I heard many families tell stories about their loved ones as if the person in the room and they person they knew before the disease kicked in were two different people. I never took it as a sign of disrespect or a lack of caring, as in many cases these comments would be made by family members who visited their loved ones routinely and, in some cases, even on a daily basis.