Southpinellas: Family may sue Hogan's son

ST. PETERSBURG - John Graziano's estranged parents agree that a civil lawsuit against the family of wrestler Hulk Hogan will be necessary to pay for their son's long-term care, their attorneys said Wednesday.

"I think that any guardian would file a civil suit; that goes without saying," said George Tragos, who represents Debra Graziano, John's mother.

John Graziano is a 22-year-old Marine who was critically injured Aug. 26 while riding in a Toyota Supra driven by Nick Bollea, 17, the famous wrestler's son.

The Bolleas' attorney, Morris "Sandy" Weinberg, said he couldn't comment on the case.

Last month, the family's high-profile Tampa attorney, Barry Cohen, withdrew from the case without explanation.

In court documents, medical professionals who have examined Graziano said he suffered severe head injuries and remains comatose. One doctor said Graziano, who is at Bayfront Medical Center, would likely spend the rest of his life in a nursing home.

On Wednesday, Debra and Edward Graziano and their attorneys were in Pinellas County court for a 9 a.m. hearing to discuss who should be named their son's guardian.

Pinellas Judge Lauren Laughlin granted a delay requested by Edward Graziano to give his recently-hired attorney, Steven Hearn, time to prepare. Hearn said he wanted to investigate allegations that Debra Graziano is receiving financial support from the Bolleas.

For now, Debra Graziano will continue to make medical decisions on her son's behalf as his temporary emergency guardian.

In an interview after the hearing, Hearn said Debra Graziano is not a good choice because she has received financial support from the Bollea family. After the accident, the Bolleas paid for her to stay in a hotel room, Hearn said. She now is staying in a condominium or town home in Clearwater provided by the Bolleas, he said.

Edward Graziano is staying at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg. Hearn said the Bollea family paid his hotel bill for a while but he is paying it now.

Because Debra Graziano has filed a domestic violence injunction against her husband, her lawyer, Tragos, wouldn't confirm where she is living.

Hearn said he is petitioning the judge to have a professional guardian take care of John's affairs. Edward Graziano is not applying for guardianship because he wants to keep the couple's marital issues separate from the care of their son, Hearn said.

"The guardian is supposed to be neutral and non-biased and should avoid the appearance of everything that might influence them," Hearn said.

He said his client is concerned whether Debra Graziano would pursue a civil suit against the Bolleas because she is receiving financial help from them.

But Tragos said the fear is unwarranted. He said a civil suit will be "aggressively prosecuted."

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Comments on this article

by thomas wilson	10/15/07 11:18 AM
nick may have to go to work for wwe to make up on the suit that may be files agaist his and his family

by Kat	10/15/07 10:45 AM
As a driver....isn't the drive responsible for all passengers in the car. If you are driving and get pulled over and one of your passengers isn't wearing a seat belt, can't you be ticketed.

by ceecee	10/12/07 08:02 PM
This is a sad situation for all of the people that are involved. I don't know if this is correct or not. I read somewhere that Terry Hogan is a christian. If this is true, then God will give him the grace he needs to walk thru this trial.

by Chris	10/12/07 01:55 PM
So who owns the Viper Nick was seen racing??? There is much more to this story than has been told or admitted to. I don't call that stepping up to the plate. I call that CYA. Why investigatton taking so long??? Somethings not right with this.

by Bud	10/12/07 10:29 AM
If John is active, why isn't Nick answering for " destruction of Government property" ? He did the damage with his illegal street racing.

by Stacy	10/12/07 08:34 AM
John's life is over people because of "reckless driving." John's life is OVER. Nick was driving and is responsible. That is the law. Doesn't matter if you agree. This isn't about being "friends" and the Hogans paying some bills. Grow up and Pay up!

by GruVbeat	10/11/07 07:13 PM
Call VH1 Boycutt his show 136. This quote was taken directly from an interview with the Boella's. I posted this on this website to show what a nitwit the mother is and my post was taken off this website. Mmmm is TMZ siding with the HOGNUTZ someting

by CJ	10/11/07 06:18 PM
If the lawyers are looking for a neutral and non-biased professional guardian, then maybe they should consider the Bollea family. Instead of a lawsuit let the Bollea's be guardian. They have stepped up to the plate thus far.

by Pat	10/11/07 06:12 PM
Is John still a Marine? According to this article, he's in reserves http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/29/news_pf/Northpinellas/_Hogan_s_son_was_seen.shtml "He decided to join the local reserve unit and continue to be a Marine and serve his country"

by Bill	10/11/07 05:42 PM
Maybe they can sell a few seasons of "Hogan Knows Nothing" to pay for the lawsuits.

by dee	10/11/07 05:40 PM
when not working he should be at johns side cleaning him up and taking care of things for john, that he can no longer do for himself. This 17 year old needs to grow up and stop acting like a 2 year old.

by dee	10/11/07 05:39 PM
You should let the mother decide if a suit is neccessary. I am not saying that nick should get away with this..absolutely not. He should take responsibility for his irrisponsibility and work and give all his check to johns care also when not workin

by dee	10/11/07 05:37 PM
I know that the Bolleas and the Graziano's have been friends a long time. I personally do not think it is necessary for a civil suit because i know that the bolleas will take care of everything they need without a judge telling them what to do.

by Mike	10/11/07 05:19 PM
Before you leave a comment read the story and know the facts. The Hogans are stepping up to the plate. And are paying some of the bills. Im sure when the family asks for something they get it from the Hogans!!

by Bill	10/11/07 05:05 PM
If Nick would "man up" and enlist in the Marine Corps, pass training, and then do a couple of tours in Iraq, he might be a more sympathetic character. 17 year olds can join with parental consent.

by Bill	10/11/07 04:45 PM
Unfortunately, it's Terry's fortune that is at risk. Nick was a minor, and only had the right to drive because his parents said so. This could be a very expensive lesson for Nick, we're not talking hotel bills, this is eight figure stuff here.

by john	10/11/07 03:38 PM
from everything i have read, it seems like the Bolleas family has manned up and are footing the bills,sue also ?

by CJ	10/11/07 03:34 PM
These are young men who made a mistake. That could of been any of us.....let it go!!! Instead of pointing fingers, fold your hands and say a prayer. These families are going thru it, they need our love and support.

by Rick	10/11/07 03:25 PM
If Nick was racing Graziano's brother, shouldn't the family be suing their own son too? Maybe not, because he does not have a deep pocket. Love the legal system.

by GH	10/11/07 02:31 PM
Bottom line is that the driver has control & is responsible. A civil suit is often needed simply to lay legal guidelines for the future, it doesn't have to mean malice on the part of those suing. From what I read a seatbelt would not have helped much

by agatha	10/11/07 02:05 PM
Hey...what was wrong with my comment? Boy, whay censorship!!!

by Patrick	10/11/07 02:04 PM
I would like to see Nick "man up" like his friend did in Iraq. Admit to all wrong doing "if any". Avoid all the legal circus and probably jail time,as well as, gain some respect from many people in the Bay area. John would be proud I think.

by In the military	10/11/07 01:44 PM
The Marines Corp is still required to handle the medical treatment/billing etc. if he is still on active duty, up until he gets a medical eval board, and is discharged.

by A Lawyer	10/11/07 01:17 PM
It is unfortunate that readers log on here and say things like "screw lawyers- bring back compassion/love." Although some have the idea that lawyers are not good people, a look at what a lawyers do can be perceived as upstanding. Do some research.

by Jeremy	10/11/07 12:48 PM
John Made the choice of bing in the car so both him and nick are responsible for the act. I highly doubt John was sitting in the seat saying Oh Nick please dont race. No as a 22 year old my self I bet he was saying lets see what this thing can do.

by Diana	10/11/07 12:31 PM
John was negligent in riding with Nick & not buckling up, it doesn't cancel out Nick's lawbreaking by speeding many times. I hope whoever can do the best for John gets guardianship but the Hogans are still responsible, the speeder & enablers both

by Anita	10/11/07 12:06 PM
Racing and speeding happen everyday and involves a lot of youngsters. This was a sad accident, Nick is already punished for life. Both boys made bad choices. I hope the right choices will be made for John now.

by Jimmy	10/11/07 11:36 AM
Isn't Nick 17 (a minor)wouldn't that make the parents responsable since they knew about his driving record and paid for the car??

by just me	10/11/07 11:10 AM
When is a 22 year old a kid or a boy? John is an adult man, he has been in the Marine Corps and I DO NOT believe they allow "kids" to enlist. I hope for a miracle for John. Most of you reading out there, please dont say you have never been speeding.

by anne	10/11/07 11:09 AM
Anybody out there have perfect, angelic teenagers? If you do your lying. These type of accidents happen all the time. Don't condemn Holgan-He has done nothing but good things for the community. I feel sorry for both boys. But these things happen.

by just me	10/11/07 11:03 AM
Sad but John chose to get in the car with Nick, when Nick started to race he could have chosen to get out of it, John made a choice and this is what happened. I feel sad for his family but John is partly responsible for his condition.

by mike	10/11/07 11:01 AM
it was an ACCIDENT! I am sure the Hogan's will do what is right. They have thus far. I agree, this attorney is just capitalizing on a tragedy. ask the "ambulance chaser" to waive all fees? that will never happen....

by Sarah	10/11/07 10:52 AM
I went to school with John and he is a great guy but as an adult he chose to get in a car and not put his seatbelt on. Yes, Nick wrecked, but to fully blame him is not fair. Both boys are at fault. Stupid decisions happen everyday and people get hurt

by jo	10/11/07 10:43 AM
active duty or not, I am guessing that failure to wear a seat belt cancels any possible benefits/coverage from the military.

by Linda	10/11/07 10:43 AM
Please don't post notes if you can't spell correctly.

Family may sue Hogan's son

The critically injured Marine's parents are still at odds over his guardianship.