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Hogan Can Hire Nevada Lawyer Despite Objections, Judge Rules

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 9, 2008

CLEARWATER - A Nevada lawyer who has helped arrange Hulk Hogan's media appearances was allowed by a judge Monday to assist with Hogan's impending divorce from Linda Bollea.

David Houston of Reno, Nev., who affirmed Monday in court that he has made disparaging remarks about Linda Bollea to the national and local media, joined at least two other lawyers representing the former professional wrestler in the divorce action.

Linda Bollea's attorneys asked Circuit Judge George Greer not to allow Houston on Hogan's legal team because Houston, among other things, made those disparaging remarks, has little to no experience in divorce cases and is not licensed to practice law in Florida.

Greer rejected those arguments.

Linda Bollea filed for divorce from Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, in November, three months after their son, Nick Bollea, then 17, was involved in a wreck that left his passenger, John Graziano, in a semiconscious state. Nick Bollea is nearing the end of an eight-month sentence he was given after pleading no contest to reckless driving involving serious bodily injury.

Houston emerged as an attorney for Hogan after audiotapes were released of conversations Nick Bollea had at the jail with Hogan and with Linda Bollea. In those tapes, Hogan was heard making harsh statements about Graziano.

Houston and Hogan appeared together on "Larry King Live" in June, and on the show Hogan attempted to explain why he made those harsh statements. Houston announced Hogan would try to stop any more tapes from being released, and so far none has been.

In July, Houston attacked Linda Bollea's position in a fight over whether the couple should go through with the purchase of a luxury condominium in Las Vegas. Houston, who maintained going through with the purchase would be a money-losing venture, told The Tampa Tribune that Linda Bollea just wanted "a party palace in Vegas she would use two to three times a year" and "someplace to go with a 19-year-old," referring to her boyfriend.

Greer, before allowing Houston to join Hogan's legal team, said he could not think of an instance in which the bench has objected to a lawyer joining the other side's team, as Linda Bollea's divorce team did Monday.

Greer also told Raymond Rafool, one of Linda Bollea's attorneys, that he did not think any statements Houston might make outside court about the proceedings would affect his rulings in the divorce as it winds through the judicial system.

With Houston added, Hogan now is represented by three law firms, with at least four attorneys working on his divorce. Linda Bollea is represented by two law firms, with five attorneys working on the case.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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