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I think you could make arguments on both sides of the fence here. Honestly. Is Hulk Hogan (Terry) responsible in any way, shape, or form as to what happened to John Graziano? Of course he is. Was Nick driving irresponsibly? Of course he was. Was Hogan's phone comments to Nick in jail about "God punishing John" and a possible reality show for Nick in the works all appropriate, given the circumstances? Of course not. Do I think that Hogan was out there "fencing" and "blocking" questions? Of course I do.
 
On the other hand, when was the last time you heard recorded phone conversations from jail from any inmate made public? Technically, it may be legal. But Nick is still "technically" a minor. So, does that make it right to make the phone conversations available to the public? And ask yourself this question: If you (or any of us) were in Hulk's position, what would you say and/or do?

It's very easy and convenient for all of us who are not in the public light to point the finger at him and his son as though they're the Devil and Lucifer. But, I can see Hulk's stance on trying to lift Nick's spirit up. Especially, if Nick (who they said was 17) was locked in solitary confinement. And why didn't John (who knew Nick's reputation as a drag racer) knowingly and willingly get into the car with Nick and not buckle up his own seat belt?
 
Michael B.

Powell's POV: I've pointed out several times that Graziano was the adult in this situation and there is simply no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt. If I were in Hogan's situation, I would want my son to learn a lesson. I wouldn't come up with lame excuses for his actions, nor would I go on national television and make him and myself out to be the victims.

I'll let the court decide whether releasing the phone calls was legal. We've had reporters write in and explain that it's not an unusual practice as Hulk alleges. Either way, some of the comments made during their conversations were inexcusable and Hulk writing it off as a case of him being tired wasn't enough to change my opinion.

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Hulk was just talking from the heart. You can't judge Terry or Nick without hearing the complete tapes. Sound bytes out of context don't make it true. I support Nick and Terry.

Powell's POV: The Tampa Tribune released audio clips of multiple full conversations involving Nick and his family members. Unfortunately, they didn't include the tape of Hulk and Nick's conversation regarding Graziano. However, I just don't know how anything could justify what they said about him upsetting God or being a negative person.

By the way, Hulk's excuse that he was 28 or 29 days into Nick's sentence is a crock. The lawsuit filed by the Hogan family notes that the calls released to the media took place between May 10 and May 21, no more than 11 days after Nick was in jail. For all we know, that call could have taken place the first day Nick was in jail.

***

Well I have never seen Hulk Hogan look so upset, shaken, and pissed. I think he "maned" up in a lot of ways. I do not think it was all an act, because we know Terry is not the best of actors except when in Hulk Hogan mode, which is most of the time. Him not saying Nick was drag racing was probably a legal issue he could not admit, or he really thinks he was not from talking about footage he saw from stores there ,etc, etc.
 
I do believe him about the comments made on the tapes, he apologized for them, and giving the situation that is going on, probably stuff came out wrong or was just desperate.
 
I think he came off like a legit loving Dad who is just trying to protect his child, maybe some of it was an act, but what celebrity, or any person, does not act a little in a horrible situation. He did not say anything bad about the family and did not blame them, so that was a good move.
 
Overall I think he came off fine. Of course, some people will not believe it and will spew hatred, no matter what. These people look at TMZ like gospel, when in fact it is a site to put celebrities in a bad light and somewhat twist the truth to make them look worse. Heck, even the loser who runs that site admitted that months ago on a radio show in my area. I read some of the posts on that site and never have seen more unintelligent people and white trash post stuff on different subjects.
 
Funny how Linda was not defended and Hulk just said she has her own life. I thought she sounded the worst on those tapes from what I heard.
 
Hopefully someday Hulk can get on with his life, entertaining his fans, Nick realized what has happened and does the charities Hulk talked about and maybe speak about the dangers of speeding/racing, John comes out of a coma someday and speaks, Linda goes away forever, and Brooke does alright.

Powell's POV: Say what you will about TMZ's selective audio clips, but that doesn't change the things that were said. Again, the Tampa Tribune posted complete audio clips. You can check them out by clicking here.

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