Talk about a slap on wrist!!!!!   I think this was totally unfair to the general public.  He got off easy because of Money!!!!!  Adjudication was withheld!!!!  that's the real kicker!!!

I don't disagree with the ajudication. I do think a year would've been more appropriate though. If my info is current, Pinellas county knock's off a third of the sentence for "good behavior" in jail, so he'll do maybe 5.5 month's.

Money takes care of everything doesn't it!

WEll lets see he got a ticket , for not weaqring a seatbelt , in August 2007 and he got a ticket for speeding in a construction zone in August and he crashed his car In August 2007 , hmmmn is there a trend there , do you think his parents knew about it , could it have been prevented if he had been grounded from driving . Isnt Hulk suppose to be responsible for Nick till he is 18 . Where did the booze come from , wasnt a mother just sent to jail for letting her son drive a car with out a license that killed a NE high school student .

Actually, the 6 months that Nick asked for would have been fine.  I think the Judge gave him 8 with the fact that most sentences are over sooner and that Nick would only serve about 6.  Also, in Nick's Defense, to all teenagers out there - make sure that you and all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts!  For those that think wearing them won't make a difference - just realize what has happened in this case.  Maybe John thought the same and therefore didn't feel the need to wear his!  This has been an unforseen accident and a tragedy.  Praying for you Nick, and for your family to heal.  Praying for you John and for your family to forgive and begin to heal.  

First offense and he got 8 months. Kids make mistakes. Money had nothing to do with the outcome of the trial. You people are ignorant if you think he deserved more time. Is 500 hours of community service not enough? That is 12 straight 40 hour work weeks. So if you take 8 months of jail time, and 12 weeks of community service, 3 years with no license and 5 years of probation. I would say that he got more than a slap on the wrist.

Once again, read into it people. Don't be so ignorant.

i think the gaziano family had a lot to do with his sentence not nick  . living with the fact that he caused his friends life long injury  is the worst kind of sentence you can get . besides when the graziano family sues the bollea family for millions they will be happy.its a shame that in the end it will be about the money they can get from the bollea's

money talks... BS walks!

We always so what if something was done before hand? Well, nobody know's anything until the outcome become's devasting reality. So what they should have down was to get rid of the car after his first accident, grounded him, and beat his ass like our parents would have when we were 17 years old. But in the celebrity world, that doesn't happen. The laws don't pertain to them because of who their family knows and how BIG the bank accounts are. I think 8 months in jail was enough along with everything else that he got, except that they should make Nick get a minimum wage job and pay the court fee's and the lawsuit back that awaits his parents. That will show him that money doesn't grow on tree's and that he is not above the law, no matter who he is or who is parents are.

We always so what if something was done before hand? Well, nobody know's anything until the outcome become's devasting reality. So what they should have down was to get rid of the car after his first accident, grounded him, and beat his butt like our parents would have when we were 17 years old. But in the celebrity world, that doesn't happen. The laws don't pertain to them because of who their family knows and how BIG the bank accounts are. I think 8 months in jail was enough along with everything else that he got, except that they should make Nick get a minimum wage job and pay the court fee's and the lawsuit back that awaits his parents. That will show him that money doesn't grow on tree's and that he is not above the law, no matter who he is or who is parents are.

I am SO over the Hogans.  Hulk and Linda need to take some responsibility for their children.  At least Nick is stepping up, but I would have liked to see a little stiffer penalty.  His friend, an Iraqi war veteran, is in a coma and will never be the same again.  Nick is just a spoiled rich kid, protected by his parents.  As the spouse of a U.S. soldier, I get so infuriated by the lack of respect given to our soldiers and veterans.  Where are our updates on his friend?  Maybe Nick and his family will learn a lesson from this accident and be more responsible.

We always say so what if something was done before hand? Well, nobody know's anything until the outcome become's devasting reality. So what they should have down was to get rid of the car after his first accident, grounded him, and beat his butt like our parents would have when we were 17 years old. But in the celebrity world, that doesn't happen. The laws doesn't pertain to them because of who their family knows and how BIG the bank accounts are. I think 8 months in jail was long enough along with everything else that he got, except that they should make Nick get a minimum wage job and pay the court fee's and the lawsuit back that awaits his parents. That will show him that money doesn't grow on tree's and that he is not above the law, no matter who he is or who is parents are.

As sad as the situation is, no one twisted John's arm to get in the car with Nick. If someone your riding with starts dinking and you don't get out of the car, if he wrecks and you are harmed, it's as much your fault as it is theirs. I think that because of who Nick is, he got more than what most people would have.

Nick is innocent, railroaded by the media!!!! Hopefully the Hulk will take this to the Supreme Court.

Cherri, you couldn't have said any better I agree with you 100%, I don't think Nick should have gotten any jail time, just seeing his friend John and what he looks like now  instead of how he looked like before, I truly believe that as a human being and having feelings that should, I believe be enough for Nick to live with.  Just knowing that you had something to do with John and the way of life for him now.  I think that the attorney's for John's parents were trying to make Nick look like a monster, just like Cherri said no one twisted Johns hands and there were two other adults in the picture.  So with all this said, Nick will be doing alot of thinking for these next eight months.  I just hope that as a 17 year old, he will use his time constructively and really learns a lesson from all of this.  My prayers go out to John, and the Bollea Family especially Nick's "The mind is very dangerous, and it will play tricks on you if you have no control over it." So Nick stay strong!  As for John, there is nothing impossible for the Lord!!!!

Two comments:

First...why was Hulk permitted to wear that rag on his head in the Court of Law? What was he thinking? This is no reality tv show brother. THIS IS YOUR REALITY!

Second...Nice acting Brooke. Perhaps the wardrobe department should have cautioned you on the outfit! Totally unacceptable for court!!

I have no sympathy for the Hogans! NONE! Nick should have gotten more time!!

SEE WHAT MONEY BUYS YOU ..WHAT A JOKE THAT POOR MAN IS LIFELESS FOR LIFE AND LITTLE "HULKSTER" IS SINGING YAHOOOOOO....HE IS JUST A PUNK BRAT CHILD .....

The kid got off easy.

I feel bad for a fellow marine. This little rich spoiled kid is getting off easy. Rest assured Nick Hogan, if I ever see you in a bar your getting dealt with for taking down a brother in arms.

Those of you commenting on the Hogans and the celebrity status- who made these aberrations of humanity into celebrities? Hmmmm.... the American public.  Sadly, we built the Hogans vulgar wealth and iconic status.  By supporting and purchasing their cheap product (them) you consumers of the Hogans made them celebrities and above the law.  I was disgusted to see the attire of Hulk and Brooke.  A dew rag and a sleazy nightclub dress in a court of law.  These people are an embarrassment to our community and county.  Having said this, I wish John had been more selective when choosing friends and secondary father figures.  I wonder why people associate with the Hogans..... hmmm could it be the money? or similar character?  oh right, their high moral standing .....

I have been in Nicks shoes, kinda.. I wrecked a car when I was 17 (1991) and spent 4 months in a coma while my liver, heart, bones, and both lungs healed.  I have been clinically dead 4 times, longest was 20 minutes and on the "JET" for 2 months I used 72 gallons (yes gallons) of blood.  That gives you an idea of the condition I was in. I do not remember anything from the accident and I have fully recoveed 100% from brain damaged that has permantaly killed a memory portion of the functionality.  My passenger lost his tooth in my chest and he broke his collar bone.  We were both wearing seatbelts and mine broke at the buckle. The police investigation showed I did nothing wrong but failed to negotiate a corner and go off a cliff. No drugs and no alcohol were in my system. Nick will remember the day it happned for the rest of his life! trust me, no matter whos fault it is the driver always takes the guilt and deals with it on their own. Some of you bashing him forget he has lost his best friend and that is punishment all of another kind.

To Johns family.. I feel your pain and my parents have been in your shoes. I almost offered my help and support to you when this happened, but I didnt want the press and I doubt you would have wanted my assistance at the time. I have been trying to block my accident for the last 17 years and one can never forget, just pray and hope for the best.  My road to recovery was long, but I joined the Army and went to college and earned my degree. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but it can be done. Dont give up on John. The brain has a way of re-programming some functions but there is never a guarentee. Be patient and dont lose hope. I wish you and your family well and I look forward to good news about John everyday.

8 months in the Pinellas County Jail is not going to be a picnic for Nick. all of you who say he got off easy, have no idea what Nick is experiencing right now psychologically. It's crazy in there. He is only 17. I was 27 when I got locked up in Pin Co Jail a few years ago. I was only there for 3 days, but those 3 days made me never forget that I never wanted to go back, ever. My personal feeling, about Judge Philip Federico's decision to give Nick a 8 month jail confinement has nothing to due with a harsh punishment, but it has to do with more of a deterrent from future screw up's in this mans future.

Like many people said MONEY TALKS! I think the parents (Hogans) are going to learn a lesson.

Well, it's a good thing he's not a middle class or lower African-American male isn't it!!!!! Go figure!!

This guy gets off with a slap on the wrist because he has money and maybe who his father is!!! ridiculous!!!

Maybe he'll find the Lord in prison. oops, he's not going to prison for wreckless endangerment or... shall we say... attempted murder! what was I thinking?? he's just going to jail and will probably get out early while his "friend" lies in a hospital bed somewhere still in a coma!!! How sad and croocked the judicial system is! Anyone else would've no doubt received more time plus everything else on the plea bargin!

he should of got the 5 years but money talks

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God came not into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.
St John 3:16-17

Talk about a slap on wrist!!!!!   I think this was totally unfair to the general public.  He got off easy because of Money!!!!!  Adjudication was withheld!!!!  that's the real kicker!!!  this youg man deserves alot more then what the JUDGE gave him . if it were anyone one else with out all the money they would have gotten years not months. he has runined a young mans life. he can live with that the rest of his life shame shame on linda bollea wake up and be a MOM  your NOT a very good role model!

no one made that kid get in the car with him,
it is just as much his fult .
nic lved him and he was to lve wth what he did every day
i think that was a little to much time.
sorry nic

God willing John will get better in time . always keep your faith it will get you past all this . and with Gods help you will come back to your loving family .
GOD BLESS YOU JOHN AND YOUR FAMILY OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU  

I AGREE WITH MOST THAT MADE COMMENTS THAT HE IS A SPOILED KID AND HE
SHOULD HAVE THE HOLE IN HIS KID AND NOT THE MARINE WHO IS USEFUL. THEN
HE COULD WEAR A RAG ON HIS HEAD LIKE HIS DAD !!!!

I agree money talks BS walks. He'll be out in 5 months.  Graziano is as good as dead.  A life sentence.  It's not fare.  

I think the Graziano's are taking advantage of the Bollea's now.  After hearing the testimony it's obvious what they are after!  That's why we have insurance!   It's pretty sad that they had a son that pratically lived with the Bollea's and because the Bollea's are so generous they want to sue them?  Everyone involved is suffering from what has occurred, you can't change that.  Having your kids get in any car with someone driving is a risk most parents take daily.  I feel sorry for the Graziano family for their loss of a healthy son, but I too feel sorry for the Bollea's over the loss of a friendship and the tradgey it's caused their entire family.

HE SHOULD HAVE GOT 20 YEARS.

There is absolutely no comparison in what John and his family will endure everyday for the rest of their lives and what Nick will have to live with.  Nick will do his menial time and be done with it.  His family has already moved to California and they are applying for transfer of his sentence to California.  Unfortunately, his parents will probably continue to baby him and he will never learn to grow up.  Hulk Hogan was in court, not Nick's father, as was evident by his celebrity rag head and inappropriate clothing.  So much blame lies with him and his wife (as seen in a street racing video talking about the thrill of "running from the cops").  Hogan's plea to the court to remember that Nick is still a seventeen yr old child was a joke considering that he did not deal as a parent and an adult when his "child" got multiple speeding tickets and served him beer on a boat the day of the accident.

Does anyone REMEMBER the episode where his father took him to the police station to have a cop teach his son the importance of NOT SPEEDING, THE EFFECTS AND DANGERS OF WRECKLESS DRIVING, AND HOW HE CAN KILL SOMEONE OR HIMSELF???  HELLO!!! I guess it was the shiny new fast car for such an adolecent little boy. He just couldn't resist.

I absolutely agree with Cherri Jemerson.  I believe Nick was just as willing to get in that car. It is a tragedy all the way around.

First off I am married to a marine, what they do for us none of us could under stand. But I feel the only reason that nick is getting more attation is because where he comes from and thats not right. You can't feel the pain that he is left with till you actually have it happen to you, how many people have had to deal with the samething and nothing was done. If you want to punish him then punish all for the samething. Nick is not the only one that this is/will happen too, you all just look at him from where he comes from....I'll be honest you/we think money makes you happy and thats what we need to survive, but st the end its that person thats there no matter what you do, have done and you will do... Nobody told him to get in the car with his best friend, girl/boy friends come and go but your true friends will always be there for you no matter what. Nick is still there for his best friend so how can you blame him for all. Dont get me wrong I m sorry for what happened, god can only tell you when and what happens to ya!!

Yes I think there should be punishment but not jail time, has any other famous person that did something wrong serve time... No! Everyone should be equal but were not ?

Although I believe this "accident" should have never happened.  If he were my son and received even one major speeding ticket, he would not have been behind the wheel  for quite some time.  Unfortunately, lack of better parental judgement allowed him to continue to drive and now two families are destroyed.  Very sad.  I am sure this is not a very popular sentiment, but on that day Nick was a child and was in the company of adults who really should have known better.  I don't know any of the parties involved, but do know most 17 year old boys are impulsive and immature. Add celebrity status and you have a real show off.  Children need guidance well past the turning of 18.  I don't believe he intended for anyone to be hurt and that his punishment given by the courts was fair.  Let that be a lesson to all young people about who you get into the car with.  Never put your life in hands of others even if you think they are a celebrity.  Prayers to both John and his family and to Nick.  

Hulk says his kid is just a 17 year old child----well I didn't know we let children drive!!!!!  What a shame that having money can get you OUT of any PROBLEM.  If only that were true for all of us, not just rich people.  Good luck to the Graziano family in their search for the means to provide for the son they will NEVER have again.  I would have put Nick in jail for atleast 5 years and PERMANENTLY suspended his license for LIFE.

What a sad situation for John and Nick as their young lives have changed forever. Unfortunately these two kids have parents who appear be the the major problem and have obviously taught through example. Money did not determine the sentence, but seems to be the motive for John's family as it appears now they want not only blood and vengence but cash (lots) to alleviate their suffering. This is such a tragedy for both families, but to place the blame soley on Nick is not totally fair. The judge was correct and it seems Nick has already learned a hard lesson. Both families have lost their sons and their grief is shared by many; they are sent kind thoughts for healing. Hopefully other kids will learn how quickly something like this can happen and then it is over - no second chance to change it once an injury like this occurs, the damage is done. Keep the kids safe as their "youth" thinks it cannot happen to them. If only we could change it all . . . . .

This is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to both families.  Please remember Nick is a 17 year old kid.  John was the responsible adult in the car; he was not an innocent bystander, and he wasn't wearing his seat belt.  Certainly he shares some responsibility.  There was no intent to harm. Nick is guilty of careless, stupid behavior, certainly;  but no one is served by putting this kid in jail; and I would be willing to bet John would not want Nick to serve time.   The Graziano's want revenge, but it won't help their son.  I would have rather seen his license suspended for seven years with probation and required restitution that produced a positive result.  

If that was my son driving I am sure he would have gotten "A LOT" more than eight months. What money can do. When this first happened the news stated that nick was racing another car, like his father's. They also said it was the only one in the neighborhood. The divorce thing, oh my god, was that to hid your money. Please !
Enough is enough. Bollea's grow up, dress right, get a hair cut. And most of all teach your children right from wrong.

To all those who have commented about how they feel so bad for Nick, 'he made a mistake','8 months is too much', what the hell is wrong with you. This is a spoiled brat who learned his behavior from his parents. Didn't his mother and sister make a video raving about (and showing) how cool it is to street race. And what do you, and his parents, have to say about the fact that at 17 he just months before had gotten 2 speeding tickets for 106 and 86 miles per hour!! First, why didn't he lose his license? Where the hell were his parents? They obviously did not have a problem with his behavior.  I would have taken my sons license away and sold his car. If you or I did something like this we would have gotten the 5 years. And why haven't charges been brought against his parents?

I wonder what the sentence would have been if the judge had of personally known the victim.  This judge played to the 'Hogans', not the 'Bolleas', private citizens.  Hogan can wear a dew rag to court and the judge allows it?  Come on!  MY son and/or your son would be in PRISON, for a LONG while, not the county jail. (and as well they should).  I love my children as much as the Bolleas love theirs, but we're not in the limelight and their father is not famous.  Nor are my children above the law.  I would hate it, but I would also know they deserve harsh punishment for a crime of this magnitude.  Did you see the newly released photos of John in his hospital bed?  May God bless him and his family.  And may they win it ALL in the civil trial.  The Bolleas need to know REAL pain, and with all their vanity, they'll only feel it when it's surgically removed from their wallets by the court.  All the monies spent on botox, implants, artificial joints, hi-colonics, oh, and high speed cars could be now better served on real life responsibilities, such as paying for the misdeeds of your child.  
Welcome to TRUE reality, come out of retirement, your ex-wife needs to go to work, and for the sake of really teaching your children how to face up to responsibility, SHUT UP and PAY UP!

I feel bad for all concerned but Nick is so young to be in jail for so long. It was an accident and I kind of blame his parents for not grounding him and taking his driving privileges away after the first ticket or two. Also for allowing Nick and his friends to drink at such a young age. I'm so sorry for the Graziano's but I'll bet they thought it was really cool that their son was running around with the "Hulk's" son and didn't they know about any of the drinking. I do believe their son had been drinking with Nick and even if he wasn't he should have known better than to ride in a car with a driver that had been drinking. Now the Graziono family is taking advantage of the Bollea's money and are going to sue for millions. Nick is going through a lot of pain for what he has done and will never forget his friend and what he has done to his life. This was not a crime intentionally planned so give Nick a break. Accidents do happen...

It's soo sad to hear and read about all of what people think, but let's put it this way nick did not hold a gun to John's head n force him  into the car with him. John was very conscious of what was going on but he choose to stay in car so it is evident he loved what was happening. Soooo to all you haters don't find an excuse just because he is a celebrity FACE IT all the graziano's are looking now is for trhe MONEY. If they get it they are going to be happy unlike for poor John he wouldnt know anything about it. SOOOOO goodluck!!!!!!! As for John GOD IS BIG miracles do happen.

This punk has no regret. He should have had more jailtime like any other person would have had. Money talks.

THE DAY HE WENT TO JAIL, DID ANYONE SEE HIS FACE ON THE WAY INTO COURT?
HE WAS LAUGHING LIKE NOTHING HAPPEND. BELEIVE ME, THE LORD SEE'S ALL AND  HE WILL HAVE HIS DAY IN THE MOST HIGHEST JUDGEMENT SEAT OF ALL.
BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU DO. NICK, YOU HAVENT SEEN NOTHING YET.

The sad part about this whole thing is that there will never be any real winners no matter what the court does.  However, to say that Nick is walking away from this trial laughing because of the way it ended is ignorant.  Anyone who was the cause of their own friends’ death or severe condition would be followed by that for the rest of their life.  Yes, what Nick did was wrong without a doubt, and he should pay a price.  Also, his past does show a disregard for the traffic laws, but I don't think he realized the impact his action would one day have.  Hopefully this is a wake up call, and he really does want to change.  Most of us have all done really stupid things when we were young that we regret, and most of the time those actions don't result in someone getting hurt.  However, sometimes those stupid decisions result in something that we are stuck with for the rest of our lives.  How many times while driving have we tried to beat a red light, talked on the cell phone, read the paper, put on make-up, or coast through a stop sign.  All of those things seem like petty violations, but what if one day those actions were to take someone’s life?  Who knows, Nick might really be a heartless punk who has no feeling about his friend, but there is no way for us to tell that by watching him on TV.  I feel bad for the Graziano family, and hope that by some act of God that there son is brought back to them as close to the way he was as possible.  However, as people who are watching this on the sideline we can not be sure that Nick does not regret what he has done.

I don't think the Hogan family is very sorry for what happened to John Graziano. If your sorry you do everything in your power to take care of the person you wronged. I haven't heard anyone say that the Bolleas have offered to pay John Graziano medical bill for the rest of his life without being sued. I have heard that the Bolleas are so scared they are going to be sued that they are now trying to hide their money from the Graziano family.

Just because John Graziano got into a car with a friend he trusted doesn't make him the person who caused the accident. It makes him the victim of careless driving.

The Bolleas family needs to stop partying so much and join reality. Let's see how long they last in the real world.

I absolutely agree with mxmom and WhatAJoke!  I couldn't have said it better.  The Bolleas should have stepped up and taken parental responsibility for their underage son's actions in the previous speeding violations.  

Let's drop them out of the news.  This dysfunctional family doesn't deserve the space and ink to write about them.  What a bunch of losers...all of them.  Goodbye Hulk and "family".  

Let's put this into perspective.  He got a little time, he can't drive for 3 years, 5 years of probation, some community service and he and his family will more than likely pay through the nose in the lawsuit. If it were any of our children on trial we would have hoped for the same thing or even less but because he was not related to us we think he got a slap on the wrist.

There are alot of factors that go into this event. First of all Nick should not have been drinking. That we can probably blame his mom and dad for letting that type of behavior happen as I'm sure it wasn't his first time. Nick, being a young person and his family is famous and having some money probably believed that he was invincible and untouchable and felt he could do what ever he wanted. I also believe that his parents, especially his mother and even sister, who have been video taped for also racing in the streets and bragging about it and should be blamed for establishing a negative influence in Nick that this kind of behavior is accepted and approved by her.

Now, John Graziano knew getting into that car with Nick who was way under age and had been drinking was not the right thing to do. John also knew that drag racing in the street was illegal. Where did Nick even get the alcohol from? Maybe John G.? I don't think that was ever exploited. But nonetheless, John knew what was going on and probably was not the first time he had been with Nick when he was drag racing in the streets.

So where does the blame go? To the Bolleas and to John Graziano but not equally. I certainly blame the Bolleas far more than I do John but John being the adult and a U. S. Marine and the so called "Older Brother" should have known this was not a good idea and tried to stop the incident. But I'm sure as with most young adults he was having a good time with his friend and did not think anything bad would occur and I'm sure Nick had done this many times before and nothing went wrong then either. The Bolleas can be blamed for not supervising their son and giving him bad influences on driving and behavior. John can be blamed for going along with the incident. Nick can be blamed for drinking under age and making the decision to drive like a fool in traffic and getting into a wreck.

Not knowing either of them, I'm sure Nick and John are great people and are probably just like most any other young person that has a famous family or a bit of wealth. And that may be the problem. They are raised to be free and with a do as they please attitude. We see it every day in the media with celebrities and people of wealth who have that carefree do as I want attitude. And when something goes wrong everybody needs to feel sorry and have compassion for them. No way. To me they are like anyone else and should be treated as such. You screw up, you get what's coming to you. And myself, being a parent of a male teenager who is just learning how to drive, I treat it with extreme caution because one false move and they're dead or someone else is dead. I can't live with that feeling thinking that I did not teach my son enough to know better and that may have been a cause of his or someone else's death.

Unfortunately in this day and age, we want to give our children more than we had when we were growing up. And that is fine but it has to be done in a way that it gives them an extreme sense of responsibility and to be very dilligent. As the saying goes, "you show you're ass, it's gonna get kicked", whether it be by your parents or someone else. And you raise them this way since the time that they are born and you teach them to respect all others and themselves. You teach them to enjoy life because you never know how long or short it may be. You teach them to have a desire to be successful and be a positive figure for their family when they have one and pass that on for generations. Teach them that they are not the only person on this earth and that they are to live in harmony with everyone else. Teach them that they're rights are no different than anyone else's and that they are not any more special than anyone else, other than to their parents. Be involved with your children and give them positive experiences but most of all make sure they live and breathe, "Do the right thing at all times".

For a first time offender, Nick has been dealt a punishment by the court. Whether or not he is truly sorry for his actions is up to him. I do think that adjudication should have been imposed and not withheld but I understand that being a first time offender it will give him another chance just like any of us would want. The community service should be done somewhere else other than at the towel charity place. That place is located in Pennsylvania and not local in Florida and is something he can do from the comfort of his home. He should be out and about in the public, in the community that he committed the crime making a difference and experiencing commonalities just like the rest of us do. Not sitting in a mansion working on a computer and calling it community service. Trust me if my son were John I would want blood from Nick and his family. But I hope and pray that nothing like this happens to anyone in my family and right now I'm thinking with a clear mind and not from anger.

I certainly hope that Nick, and his parents are sorry for the actions of that day. I hope that the Bolleas learn from this that this is not tv and maybe re-evaulate how they want to raise and consult their children. I hope that the Graziano's have some understanding that John may not be a total victim. He is a victim as a result of the crash but I'm sure he was willing at the time prior to the incident to be a part of the race. Unfortunately the outcome was not what anyone expected. I hope that the Bolleas help the Graziano's financially if needed since they have the money and the means to do so.  I also hope and pray for a good recovery for John as he is fighting for his life daily and his parents have basically experienced a loss of their son for the time being.

Above all I hope everyone reading understands that "you" are not the only person that matters. We all live on earth and in the U.S. together and these days there is no respect for others. I'm not saying you have to go out of your way to do something for others but you are no different than the next person. You are not the only person on the roadway driving or the only person walking down the street or the only person living in your neighborhood. Stay off the cell phone while driving if you cannot do so in a manner that is safe and does not disrupt traffic. Do not drive like you are at the race track because someone will get killed. Drink responsibly and don't drink and drive. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times and don't drive like you are the only one on the road we all share the same space and would like to get home to our families everyday. Treat others with respect daily and mind your own business. Take care of yourself and your family and make an effort to make this place better and be kind to one another. If we all did this our lives would be alot happier and easy going.

Debbie, you're right. Now that it is over let the media drop them from the news. But they won't. That's what drives society, it's exciting, it's news! This kind of thing happens everyday to common people but we never hear about it. I'm sure for the Bolleas it will only make them more popular. Hell, I'm sure Nick will get a tv deal out of his jail experience and give him a rise to stardom. That is the way society works. If you're controversial and a popular idiot you get attention and someone will pay you big bicks for it. It's all over tv just watch it. Reality tv is the driving force to influence behavior like this. It apparently is good to live on the edge, cause problems and treat people like garbage. It makes the news and many people have found out you can make money doing this. Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton are prime examples of this. They are not talented, they are idiots and people will watch them because someone said they are entertaining. I could care less if i heard about those three ever again although I speaking about them now but I'm only using them as an example.

I can't stand celebrities. They make millions of dollars because of us and most of them act like fools but we allow it to happen. Meanwhile, our police officers, firefighters, educators and other public servants (not politicians) are paid so low hey have to get second jobs to make ends meet. Meanwhile our celebrities, professional musicians and professional athletes make thousands of dollars an hour (making more money in a year than most of us on a lifetime) and if they get arrested it only makes them more popular and more attracting to the public apparently. Take Martha Stewart or Robert Downey Jr. for example, they've never been more popular. But it's our fault because we pay to see their movies, games and buy their products. So until that line is broken this will continue and get worse.

Wow, just like they say about the big winners of the lotterey...bad karma follows you after.  Look at all the reality shows-everyone has had something bad happen...but I will say that the passenger in the vehicle did have a choice to ride or not.  He made that decision to also not wear a seatbelt...he is responsible for that action himself.   It is very sad that how this whole situation has played out.   The injured man's family is looking to capitalize on his injuries...he does need to be taken care of NOT you.   Nick Bollea will have to live with this forever...I do wish him peace and to his family also.  

To make it even, I will keep Nick in jail till Jonh Graziano can walk out his bed.

I am a convicted DUI offender . I was 48 at time of arrest for something that could have been avoided. I am not proud of it. My view is here in Polk County a convicted drug dealer will get 6 months probation, $250. fine and go on. Of course their is the issue of injury to a passenger etc. And damage to property. Why as a society do we persecute people for things like this yet drug dealors go free? I agree with jail time but persucition like I went though?? I'm not a celebrity. I just hope he is not in the polk county jail.

I for one am tired of ignorant people talking about money making the Grazianos happy ! I work in a guardianship capacity . John has a professional financial guardian . they will not have access  to one red cent unless a bill can prove it was used for john himself.They have the job of taking care of their son and money from the trust , after approved will be used for just that.As a parent that would make me SO HAPPY !!!

Nick is a 17 year old kid who made the wrong choice, what is he doing in jail?  You really think he's going to learn how to make better choices in his life in the next 8 months sitting in jail.  I'm sure he's going to have all kinds of positive influences in jail.  John is a 22 year old Marine who should have been the big brother.  He was the adult in the situation.  As a Marine you are held to higher standards.  Drinking and driving laws should be the same in the states as they are in Japan.  If the driver is charged with a DUI/DWI every passenger in the vehicle is held accountable for the same thing.  

* months???    He should of at the very least gotten 8 years. What he got is nothing to him or his family.  Lookwhat the Grazianos have to live with for the rest of their lives. I understand Bollea hasn't ever shown his face to John's family. He'll just so on about his life as if nothing ever happened and I'm sure he will be out driving around, license or not.

John was not wearing his seatbelt. Had he also been drinking? I do feel that Nick deserves what he got. He also has the sentence of living with this for the rest of his life. Yes, the parents should not have allowed him to be driving after the first ticket.

His parents should have seen this coming. He was involved in fast cars, and it was just a matter of time before he took his work off the track and onto the public streets. Does the popularity of his family have something to do with the amount that we was sentenced? Most likely. However I don't think a 17 year should spend 8 months in jail for a car crash. There are ALOT of other people that have been sentenced to ALOT less for doing much more worse. The community service, fines, revocation of drivers licencse and probation is more than enough.
    I am a big fan of Hulk Hogan and his television series. I will continue to be one regardless of what the media makes him or his family out to be. The fact that he was made out to be an example says alot about the judicial system. I am curious to see what would have happened if another celebrity would have gotten into the same mess.  

Okay I think this has gone on long enough. Anyone that thinks the punishment was too harsh then they need to get a grip. If they think the punishment was too light oh well, not much you can do about it, that's our criminal justice system. Just remember if you or one of your family member's are a defendant one day, I'll bet you will be hoping for the same punishment or even less.

Only time will tell if Nick has learned from this. I personnally do not care if he did or didn't as I will not lose any sleep over it. It didn't affect me other than I wanted to speak out about this subject today because of some of the rediculous comments being made. If Nick doesn't learn anything from this then he will be dealt with again later. That's the way life works. You just have to hope if he didn't learn anything you, your family or friends do not become a victim to his behavior. And remember, Nick is not the only person to have ever done this before and guarantee won't be the last either so be cautious when you are driving or exposed to the dangers of society because there are plenty of other nuts out there doing the same thing or even worse.

macdaddy, are you serious? 8 months in jail for a car crash. Nobody spends 8 months in jail for a car crash. But they do spend time in jail for Reckless Driving with a crash involved and seriously injuring someone. If it weren't for the great medical and first responding staff I'm sure Nick would have been looking at Manslaughter charges and he still can if things don't work out.

I would agree with you however that alot of people have done worse and paid less. But sometimes that's how our justice system fails us. We give the judge some broad sentencing guidelines and they make a decision. So until that changes it will always be like this and in some cases fair or unfair.

I myself am not a Hulk Hogan fan nor do i watch his tv series. I watched it for a few minutes once and determined it was typical celebrity crap showing off for the cameras and moved on. All of the celebrity reality shows are junk and depict a poor perception of real behavior. If any normal person acted like they do they would be called idiots. But because they are so called "famous" everyone thinks they're cute, entertaining and exciting. Get real.

If he is just a kid why is  he driving a car. Hulk Hogan!!!!!!!!!!! You need to go to jail!!!!!!!! You are a big Jerk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1st offense, who are we kidding, more like the 1st real bad one he was caught for!
Ignorant, give me a break wipe the smog out of your eyes, of course money talks...
How do you think they could afford a high priced well known lawyer?
Anyway with his mom street racing with her daughter in the passenger seat what do you expect, the apple does not fall far from the tree.
They should have to pay the hospital bills for the boy in the coma, for as long as needed.

To all you people stating this is all about money and a rich man vs a poor man serving our country... If this was not a "famous" person who did this it would not be that big of a deal.. If it was just a so called "normal" 17 year old kid we prolly would see it on our local news and that would be the end of it. They would get probation and suspened license. I agree 100% with the people saying it is jsut as much John's fault for riding with nick when he knew he was drinking and it is his own responsibility for him to wear his seatbelt. So for all of you saying nick is just a spolied brat who thinks money grows on trees. How do you think he feels first knowing what he did to his friend, and how do you think he has felt his whole life with a spot light on every move he makes because his dad was famous. Celebrities do get things worse because they are in the public eye 99% of the time. I think his sentence was a bit much. I know of an accident where someone was driving drunk last year and killed his friend with him, all he got was probation! ( and his family didnt have money!)

I think that Nick got off too easy for the pain and suffering his childish behavior has caused his friend and family. Yes people DO make mistakes, but we all need to be prepared to pay the consequenes for our actions.  Maybe if Nicks parents had come down on him harder for the "little" things he done as he was growing up he may have had more respect for his friends life.  Hulk should not have left him drive such a fast car to begin with, come on the KID is only 17 and SPOILED rotton.  AS for Hulk asking the court for mercy, I realize he is the boys father but he needs to be held accountable for what he did.  Letting him off with a slap on the wrist will not teach him a thing!!!

that b@$%#!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he got off really easy because of daddie 5 years he should get

When most celebrities and their family members plead innocent, I was happy to see that Nick did not take that route.  I don't know what a 'normal' citizens would have received as punishment, but I do know that teenagers from all walks of life take risks that an older person would not take.  I know I did, and I am thankful everyday that I did hurt someone or myself.  I hope Nick will become a better man because of this accident, I also pray for John and his family.  I can not imagine what life was like growing up in Nick's household.  But, I know I had wonderful parents and that didn't stop me from doing stupid things when I was a teenager.  

At least the justice system finally held a "celebrity" responsible for their actions. 8 months is a short time, but the kid can't drive for 3 years (legally), can't screw up for the next 5 and has to pay all court and investigation fees. I'm sure mommy and daddy will cover the fees, but still.

people come one....seriously.....a "SLAP on THE WRIST " .....don't be stupid. obviously you have no idea how bad jail can be......

not to mention that he is going to have to live with it for the rest of his life......he hurt his friend, .....he feels like crap already, and he is going to jail.

cut him some slack damn it........or go back to readig the bible and/or feeling superior to others.

"All of you are jokes", are you kidding me? The Hogans are ruined? I seriously doubt that. How many celebrities that have gotten in trouble with the law have suffered worse than previously? They will be just fine. No pity here for them at all.

As far as the people on here being "low class citizens"? You must be part of the crowd yourself since you seem to know so much about us. As the old saying goes, "takes one to know one". Don't spout off at the mouth about other people that you don't even know and put some kind of social judgement on them. I'm sure most of us have a good job and some more than likely better than yours.

What are you? part of the Celebrity Spokesperson Association? Are you one of those that feel sorry and have pity for celebrities every time they get in trouble? They are no different than anyone else. They are accountable just like everyone else is. Get a life yourself and find something constructive to write next time.

I agree with Mike,  this is an unfornunate situation,but I believe his sentencing is fair. Hes 17 and still so young. He will have enough time to think about the accident in jail. I feel he has truly lost enough losing all communication with his bff and watching the two family's fight. I feel for both sides and will continue to keep them ALL in my prayers. i only hope others learn a lesson from this and know how fast things can change.

This in reference to "INNICKSDEFENSE"  YES...maybe a seatbelt would have helped BUT...going 210MPH does not help either.  There are limits for a reason and if you choose not to follow those rules then you get what you get.  His friend did not deserve what he got in the end and I think Nick should be indebted to his family for the rest of his living (what kind of life is living in a comatose state) life.  If the families insurance runs out then I feel Nick should be responsible in paying for his "friends" care.

While the sentence is probably deserved, I think the comments from the passengers father are a little over the line. "What Al Qaeda couldn't do, Nick did"- so Al Qaeda would have forced this kid into the car that night? We know this wasn't the first time Nick was street racing, and was most likely not the first time the passenger had been involved in a street race. Point blank, if you want out, you get out. If you stay in, you risk serious injury or death.......it just so happened that his son also had a terrible mistake and is now suffering for that mistake by being in a coma. This is exactly what is wrong with America as it stands- we aren't content until each of us feel that the "wrong-doer" is punished over, and over, and over again. Slamming his car into a tree, getting injured himself, putting his very good friend in a coma because of something stupid, AND 8 months in jail- but wait, there's more: 500hrs community service, probation, fines, license revoked for 3 yrs- that's right America, beat these punishments into the ground. At this rate, we can have people locked up for sneezing in public in no time! Speaking from personal experience, his punishment is VERY severe- especially for a first offense. This is a Judge on a power trip- out to punish someone better off in life than he/she ever will be.

I think Nick got off way too easy. If this same situation occured and the defendent was a non famous person they would have gotten a lot more jail time. I do have to say though it's no wonder he's so screwed up. His mother acts like an irresponsible 16 year old herself. I did watch their reality show a bit and from what I saw, Brooke was essentially stalked by her parents (Hulk and Linda dress in black and go to the condo where Brooke was staying and spy on her-sick) and Nick seemed to be given fairly free reign to do as he pleased. Perhaps if they weren't so obssessed with watching and dictating their daugther's every move they might have paid more attention to what Nick was doing and possibly prevented this from happening.

What short a memory most of us have.  Lets not forget the teacher (ADULT) who mowed down 2 children of color last year, left the scean of an accident and her parents helped to cover it up!!! All she received was probation so where was the justice in that case. I belive that was a slap on wrist, but not this case. Lets not forget Nick is a minor, John was the ADULT.  He is the one who decided to get inside of a vehicle with a minor who had been drinking. I'm sure if Nick could do it all over again he would, same with John.  This is a message to all young drivers who decide to get behind a wheel and drink.  In most cases its always the passenger who is severly injured not the driver. I believe Nick received jail time for who he is.  Its admitted to his mistake and accept responsibility. At least he didn't go on camera to say hes to pretty for jail.

And everyone seems to forget--Nick's passenger WAS NOT wearing his seat belt....Nick's biggest mistake was not forcing him to wear it I guess. Those people turned on their friends like rabid dogs. It was an accident. Too bad Nick was not 18 they would not get any of his dads money he spent years making.....

I think it was harsh, kids have bad judgement! But 8 months in jail benefits no one... It seems John Graziano being an adult with the maturity gained from military service should have had better judgement and is responsible for not wearing his seatbelt. While I certainly dont wish the Graziano family any ill will it seems they were heavy handed with the Nick and convicted the family as well. The family will most likely suffer big time financially in the civil suit-who won't want to give a military vet care for life? I agree that punsihment for Nick was waranted but 8 months in jail is a bit too much for me.

8 months in county was too much time!!! He got 8 months because of the family's celebrity status. If this happened to some regular kid probably the only thing that he would be sentance to is probabtion. Did we forget that John Graziano wasn't wearing a seatbelt???? What Nick has to live with for the rest of his life is punishment enough.  

About Nick,  Who was the adult in the car?  He knew Nick's driving record.  He was drinking also, He refused to wear his seat belt, in fact would not ever wear one.  Was he guilty of breaking the law, Oh my yes.  Is Nick blameless absolutely not.  But John had culpability.  And he was the Adult.  Actually he wasn't being very adult.  And Nick shouldn't be allowed to drive for a very long time.  I feel for all involved.

About Nick,  Who was the adult in the car?  He knew Nick's driving record.  He was drinking also, He refused to wear his seat belt, in fact would not ever wear one.  Was he guilty of breaking the law, Oh my yes.  Is Nick blameless absolutely not.  But John had culpability.  And he was the Adult.  Actually he wasn't being very adult.  And Nick shouldn't be allowed to drive for a very long time.  I feel for all involved.