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Hogan's book shares depth of depression

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By ANGELA OSOWSKI aosowski@wfla.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 28, 2009

If you can't get enough of Hulk Hogan, you're in luck. Hogan is revealing some shocking details about his life, including suicidal thoughts, in his new book, "My Life Outside the Ring."

It was released Tuesday.

Appearing on the "Today" show on Tuesday to discuss the book, Hogan talked about the downward spiral of his life that included suicidal thoughts, his divorce and his son's accident.

Among other details, Hogan writes that in December 2007, he was taking Xanax and drinking rum with a gun in his hand.

"I was overwhelmed with depression," Hogan said on "Today." "I was at this point where I didn't understand, and the more I looked in the mirror, the more I realized my life as I knew it was done."

Hogan told "Today" host Meredith Vieira that a phone call from "American Gladiators" co-host Laila Ali may have saved his life.

"In a way it snapped me out of it. At that moment I switched gears," he said. "I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Her voice kind of saved my life."

Hogan said a combination of things contributed to his descent, including the August 2007 car accident his son, Nick, had in Clearwater. Nick was slightly injured, but his passenger, John Graziano, was critically injured.

"John was a family member to us," Hogan said. "He lived with us. He was part of our family."

Hogan recalled visiting Graziano in the hospital nearly every day until Graziano's family filed a civil lawsuit.

Hogan said he still cares for Graziano and remembers the happiness he felt the day he heard Graziano had gone home from the hospital.

On his marriage, Hogan said it was tough.

He also recalled how hard it was to give up on his marriage.

"I was madly in love with Linda. Old School married to her for life, no matter what, for better or worse," Hogan said.

Hogan's divorce is finalized. He is not at liberty to discuss the settlement but said he has come to terms with the end of his marriage.

"The reason I wrote the book is to let people know - if I got through the last two years, anybody can," Hogan said.

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