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Hogan, Attorney Get Into Argument After Court Hearing

News Channel 8 photo by MARK DOUGLAS

Former pro wresler Hulk Hogan hobbles in court on crutches because of recent back surgery.

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By MARK  DOUGLAS | News Channel 8

Published: March 12, 2009

Updated: 03/12/2009 08:25 pm

CLEARWATER - Lawyer Raymond Rafool asked for – and received – an autographed photo of Hulk Hogan before a hearing today in the celebrity wrestler's divorce case.

It was an extraordinary gesture considering Rafool represents Hogan's estranged wife, Linda Bollea, in an increasingly contentious case that has attorneys on both sides issuing scathing press releases almost as readily as they file court papers.

"Nothing personal," Rafool told Hogan before the hearing, explaining that his son is a huge fan of the wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea.

For the next three hours, Rafool squared off with Hogan's lawyers over money matters, suggesting that Hogan is hiding assets, squandering what's left of the $10 million family fortune on limos and putting his girlfriend on the payroll to the tune of $4,000 a month.

Hogan's attorneys said he needed to unfreeze $300,000 a month in marital assets to meet expenses – his own and Linda Bollea's – as well as pay staggering lawyer bills from the divorce, a pending personal injury lawsuit involving son, Nick, and various business entanglements.

Hogan, who hobbled to the stand on crutches because of recent back surgery, testified that he has $412,000 in his bank account and owes $312,000.

On cross-examination, he was asked about the $1,000 a month he spends on transportation.

"I use town cars," he said. "The town cars are much cheaper than the limos Linda and I used throughout our whole marriage."

Pinellas Circuit Judge George Greer agreed to free up $225,000 a month for three months so Hogan could make ends meet. The case is expected to go to trial in October.

The hearing was over, but the fireworks were just getting started.

Rafool started answering a reporter's question about financial compensation for John Graziano, the passenger who suffered permanent brain injuries when Nick Bollea crashed in Clearwater two years ago.

Hogan butted in; Rafool butted back.

"Are you gonna wrestle with me here?" Rafool yelled. "Then be quiet!"

Hogan kept talking and so did Rafool, whose voice was becoming loud enough to be heard in other courtrooms.

"You've had your time to talk, you're done," he told Hogan.

"It's a free world," Hogan responded.

"No, it's not a free world," Rafool fired back. "It's called professionalism. It's called ethics."

By this time, the only bailiff in the room was looking uncomfortable amid a half dozen news cameras recording every word.

"I hope your son enjoys the autograph you asked for," Hogan said. "Thank you, brother. Thank you, Hulkamaniac brother."

Hogan turned away, leaving behind his lawyer David Houston to continue the verbal sparring for him.

Reporter Ray Reyes contributed to this report.

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