wrestling / Columns

The Piledriver Report: The Fall of the Hulkster

July 30, 2015 | Posted by RSarnecky

What?! That’s the first thought that came across my mind when I read late last week that the word broke out the WWE fired Hulk Hogan due to racist comments.

WHAT DID HOGAN SAY

The National Enquirer released the Hogan tirade, in which he was quoted saying, “She is making some real bad decisions now. My daughter Brooke jumped sides on me. I spent $2-3 million on her music career, I’ve done everything like a jack*** for her. The one option Brooke had, Brooke’s career besides me, is [to] sell beach records. I mean, I don’t have double standards. I mean, I am a racist, to a point, f*cking n*ggers. But then when it comes to nice people and sh*t, and whatever. I guess we’re all a little racist. F*cking n*gger.”

HOW DID HOGAN’S COMMENTS LEAK OUT?

The National Enquirer and Radar Online, working together in a joint investigation, both posted articles about the racist rant that Hulk Hogan went on during one of the sex tapes with Heather Cole that was recorded by the Clem family security system. The two sites claimed that “an extensive news probe uncovered five independent sources who provided the dramatic contents of the tape” and that it was a developing story with “more from the vile tapes to come.”

TMZ confirmed the authenticity of the two reports, saying that “TMZ has seen the tape…and on it, Hogan is discussing his daughter Brooke’s music career. He repeatedly used the N-word while talking about an African-American guy she was dating.”

Radar and The Enquirer noted in their articles that they had learned that “transcripts of the loathsome conversation have been filed in a Florida court, under seal, in a bid to prevent them from being publicly released.” In April 2012, the website TheDirty.com confirmed the existence of the tape. They claimed Hogan went on a racist rant full of “N-bombs.” In October, days after Gawker posted an article and an edited version of one of the Hogan/Cole videos, Philadelphia Daily News gossip columnist Dan Gross wrote that “Our source, who heard the video with racist language, believes Hogan is not involved in any way as he wouldn’t want that material getting out there.”

The matter of the racist comments and the multiple videos stayed out of the public eye until recently, when Gawker sued the FBI to obtain records of their investigation into an attempt to extort $150,000 from Hogan to prevent the release of the videos. The FBI had stonewalled them on a Freedom of Information Act request even after Gawker compelled a privacy waiver from Hogan, which is why they had to sue. A judge ruled in their favor, but the FBI, either expecting to win or planning on dragging their feet anyway, took much longer than the judge’s timetable allowed. When they finally produced everything, not only were there sealed filings, but the information could only be viewed and discussed by Gawker’s lawyers, meaning that nobody else from the company could be looped in.
Even after the FBI turned over documents, three DVDs, and two audio CDs, some documents were redacted even though the FBI had filed them uncensored publicly. One of those documents included an email from the FBI to Hogan’s attorney listing various evidence, including three different DVDs of Hogan and Cole having sexual relations of some kind. When Gawker attorneys viewed the videos, one was fine, one was just a minute or so of an empty bed, and one had the wrong audio in the second half. In the meantime, the audio CDs included Hogan, his lawyer, and Keith Davidson (the man alleged to have been shopping around the sex tape/attempting to extort Hogan) watching the DVDs as part of a FBI sting operation. One of the audio CDs thus contained the missing audio from the messed up DVD.
Gawker’s lawyers didn’t want to necessarily go so far as to accuse the FBI of messing with the videos to protect Hogan, the judge called them on it. The FBI did concede that at least one of the DVDs was improperly redacted, though.
Keith Davidson had put together a detailed summary transcript, that went over the content of each DVD, which the Hogan side provided to Gawker in the discovery process. Another witness (not named in the court transcript where this information comes from) provided Gawker with a different summary transcript that, while different, matched Davidson’s in substance.
DAMAGE CONTROL

After learning of the content that was going to be released, on Thursday night, the WWE ordered its web site to eliminate all mentions of Hogan. He was also removed as a judge for Tough Enough. Curtis Axel will be dropping his AxelMania gimmick immediately. However, Hogan has not been removed from historical content on the WWE Network, but he won’t be involved in anything current or going forward.

On Friday morning, WWE announced they terminated the contract of Hulk Hogan:

”WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”



Hogan’s attorney told TMZ and People that Hogan voluntarily resigned from WWE, but WWE’s statement and TMZ’s sources said otherwise.

On Friday afternoon, Hogan made a statement to People Magazine:
“Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs. It is not who I am. I continue to work every day to improve as a person, and this matter is an important learning experience for me in that regard. As a result I am resigning from my contractual relationship with the WWE.”

Hogan tweeted the following last Friday morning:
“In the storm I release control, God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be, one love. HH”

He later tweeted:

“Thank you to all my friends, family and business partners for all your love and support, you guys know who I really am and I love u 4 that. HH”

A new article in Forbes describes the financial impact of Hulk Hogan’s racism scandal. The article notes that WWE stock has increased 14% since a Wells Fargo outperform recommendation, which was a $160 million gain for shareholders.
Then the scandal hit and the stock dropped 4% on Friday July 24th to $16.60, which was a loss of $50 million.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s been a week since the news broke of Hulk Hogan’s racist tirade was reported by Radar Online and the National Enquirer. All week, I have been doing research for this article as I wanted to provide as much detail as possible on the incident.

My initial thoughts in regards to what Hulk Hogan said was one of shock, surprise, and yet sadness. Let me first point out that I, in NO WAY agree with the thoughts that the Hulkster spewed on that occasion. It was disgusting, and I really hope that this isn’t how Hogan really feels. I truly hope that Hulk Hogan was just upset and said those words out of anger without really thinking. I think that he was so mad that he chose to use the most hurtful words possible in this situation. At least, this is what I hope. Even if this was the reason for the words that he chose, it still doesn’t make things OK that he said those hurtful words.

Is Hulk Hogan a racist? I have a hard time believing that. You have never heard about Hulk Hogan and any racist behavior before this. He went through a nasty divorce with now ex-wife Linda. If Hulk was a racist, I would think that Linda Hogan, or her “people” would have let this information leak years ago. On top of that, several people, both Caucasian and African-American, have come to his defense over the last week. If these friends really believed that Hulk Hogan was a racist, I can’t see them commenting in his favor. They probably wouldn’t comment at all.

I have never used the “N” word in conversation. I never said the word in the context of someone else’s quote, or in using it to describe a person. That word has never crossed my lips- period.

The reason that I mention this is because, while I understand why the WWE fired Hogan or he resigned from the WWE (depending on who’s story you believe), I don’t think I agree with the action. I agree, in today’s society, the WWE had absolutely no choice but to let him go. I support them in their decision.

However, the reason why I am not sure about whether I agree is because these words were spoken by the Hulkster almost a DECADE ago!!!! There are a lot of crimes in the United States that have a statue of limitations of seven years. This video was taped years before that seven year time span. Look, if Hulk Hogan said these words a week ago, then I would totally agree with the punishment. However, nine years ago was a long time ago.

Another reason why I have an issue with the whole incident is how was the transcript able to be leaked out in the first place? According to the reports, the part of the tape where Hogan uttered those words was sealed. Thus, in a court of law, this was not to be released for the public to have knowledge of. How come the Enquirer or Radar Online isn’t getting in trouble with the FBI for publishing a sealed document? Why even have something sealed if there are no consequences for those who leak this information and/or publish this information for public record?

Now before people accuse me of being a Hulk Hogan apologist, I want to commend the WWE for taking such quick action on the issue. They have a history of making light of when one of their employees makes a racially insensitive remark. In 2008, Michael
Hayes (still the 3rd in command in the WWE at the time) used the “N” word against Mark Henry. Hayes was suspended only, with pay, but brought back after a few months. In 2009, Hayes called an Indian-American writer, David Kapoor, a racial slur, according to the controversial book expose of the WWE by Matthew Randazzo V, Ring of Hell. Hayes was not punished for this incident. Whether the WWE was afraid of getting backlash from their stockholders or their business partners like Mattel, it’s refreshing to see that the WWE is finally taking a stand when it comes to one of their employees using racially insensitive language.

The next question asks “Will Hulk Hogan be able to overcome this scandal?” In the short term, it will be difficult, because now the vulchers (media) are out to get him. They discovered that he didn’t just make racial slurs, but an anti-gay comment as well on the tape. Hogan said, “VH1 wanted me to do a big thing and go back to the house I grew up in. So we knock on the door and a big f*g lives there now! This half-gay was enamored with Linda.”

My best advice for Hulk Hogan is to get off of Twitter, and don’t do any interviews for the foreseeable future. Let everything calm down. Eventually, another celebrity scandal will break, and Hulk Hogan will be old news.

Once that happens, it will be time for Hulk Hogan to try to rebuild his reputation. America is a very forgiving society. They love to see their heroes, who have fallen, pick themselves up and make a triumphant return. Eventually, they will feel the same way about Hulk Hogan. Time heals all wounds, and this too shall heal in time. The next question is, “will we see the Hulkster in a WWE ring ever again?” I believe that we will. Vince brought Pat Patterson back after the sex scandals a couple of decades ago. He never fired Steve Austin despite it being public record that he abused his ex-wife in the past. Hulk Hogan will eventually return. It will not be any time soon. I think that the earliest he will be back is a year from now. The fallen hero needs a few months of being beaten up before he can rise up from adversity. Eventually, we will forgive Hulk Hogan for these horrible statements that he has made. That’s when the WWE will bring Hulk Hogan home again.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

MARK HENRY

“Unfortunately, I’m getting hounded today by media regarding my thoughts about and experiences with Hulk Hogan. I’d prefer not to be thrust into this, but as the requests have been significant I feel that I have a responsibility to make a statement of some sort… At minimum to ease my personal burden regarding this topic.
“We all know that we have history as it relates to the company, me and this unfortunate subject matter of racial slurs and prejudices. I don’t want to and will not re-hash that, but I do want people to know that I do not condone racist behavior or speech in any manner. Again, I do not plan to speak on what has happened in the past, but I would like to offer this statement about the current situation and events that hit the news today.
“I’m disappointed in the comments made by Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan). I’ve known Terry a long time as both a work colleague and as someone I consider a friend. I’m hurt and offended that he expressed his feelings in the manner and tone that was presented on the tape. I am however, pleased that WWE took swift action in response to his comments and I support the position the organization is taking in this matter: a no tolerance approach to racism.”

BROOKE (HOGAN) BOLLEA

~If You Knew My Father~
By Brooke Bollea

If you knew the dad I knew,
you’d know his tender heart.

He’d never want to hurt his fans,
or family from the start.

If you knew my father,
you would know how hard he fought…

and the way it brought a smile to people light, medium and dark.

We always fight a battle
that people never see,

and sometimes when you’re hurting, you don’t think logically.

Human isn’t perfect,
and perfect is not he,

but I can tell you one thing, it’s just not what it seems.

Cause If you knew the dad I knew,
you’d know he raised me well.

He taught me folks are so much more
than shades could ever tell.

And If you knew my father,
you would know he’s down to earth.

He may have slammed the giant,
but remembers life’s true worth.

If you knew my father,
if you just walked in his shoes…

then you would know that microscope that comes with yellow boots.

If you knew my father,
you would see your own in mine.

And if he was your father, you could never find divide.

Cause me- I bet your father
or someone that you love

Maybe regrets something
they wish they’d never done.

So if you know my father,
remember he’s a man,

and you would crave relief if people judged everything you did.

The lord says to forgive them,
don’t be the one to stone…

so please remember his strong arms when you were all alone.

The lives he’s changed, the friends he’s made,
the people he’s inspired…

It makes me sad to see my dad
defeated and so tired.

If you knew my father,
you would know just how he’s hurting…

For he loves every one of you, regardless of your story.

And if you met my father,
I know he’d give you love!

He’d lift you up, apologize and give you all a hug.

For those who think you know my father,
remember who you are.

We all can make mistakes and carry ugly scars.

Because I know my father,
I can promise this-

Just like you and I, things we don’t mean can sometimes slip.

We all continue learning.
This life can be so rough…

So if you know my father, please try not to be tough.

My father has a daughter,
and I have feelings too.

And if I knew your father, I would do the same for you.

DAVID HOUSTON (Hulk Hogan’s lawyer) on Fox News’ Fox 411:
“I have my suspicions (on who leaked the transcripts), as
you can imagine. If I can find out it is Gawker who leaked
the transcripts, we will bury them. He (Hogan) is not a
racist. His history defines him as something different”

HEATHER DIETRICK (Gawker’s President and General Counsel):
“Hulk Hogan has only one person to blame for what he said and no one from Gawker had any role in leaking that information.”

AMEER BENNO (FOX Legal Expert):
“At one extreme, the court could strike Gawker’s answer in the case, thereby awarding Hogan the equivalent of a default judgment. As a middle ground, the court could penalize Gawker by precluding it from introducing certain evidence or making certain arguments at trial in support of its defenses.”

DANIEL BRYAN
“I got back to my hotel room at about 10-or-11-o’clock last night, and I woke up this morning just in time to start doing phoners. Everyone is like, ‘Hey! What do you think about this thing with Hulk Hogan?’ I’m like, ‘Wait, what thing? What are you talking about?’ I had no idea. So, yeah, not in any of my dealings with him.”

JIM ROSS

“Biggest news story of the day is the Hulk Hogan racist remarks controversy. I’m not sure what I’m expected to say about this sad and unfortunate matter except that there is obviously no place in our world for racism or racist banter. Hulk made a grievous error in judgment, a major mistake, that he will have to live with this rest of his days. One can only hope that every one who this matter touches can learn from it and move forward in a positive manner. The WWE acted quickly and decisively in this matter to which they are to be commended.
In any organization, there should be zero tolerance for matters such as this along with domestic violence and, to a large degree, drug policy violations, as well. The only way changes that are needed in our society can evolve is to penalize the offenders as severely as the law will allow so that those that follow think twice or three times before traveling down the same road.
It will intriguing as to how Hogan will attempt to rehabilitate his damaged image and what the future holds for him. We live in a forgiving society when those that want forgiveness and hopefully that will be the case here over the course of time. No one should celebrate the misery of others nor can these transgressions go unaddressed. Being human, we all make mistakes and all we can hope to accomplish from those errors is to never make them again and to learn from them as well. Hopefully, after his long and memorable career within the squared circle, Hulk Hogan’s lasting legacy will not be that of his actions that have come to light in the past several hours.”

KAMALA

“That’s not the Hogan I know. Hogan always treated me like a gentleman. He genuinely cared about me. He was my friend. He’d tell me, ‘Brother, I’m getting my money. I hope you’re getting yours, because you’re putting asses in the seats.’ When it came to our matches, he valued my input. He’d always say, ‘What do you want to do out there, brother?’ I’d tell him, and then we’d go out there and do it. He’s a sweetheart of a guy. I’m not mad at him at all. Deep down, he’s really not like that. He’s a super-nice guy. I don’t believe he’s a racist at all, no matter what he said.”

SCOTT STEINER
“Now does everybody believe me that Hogan is a piece of sh*t…will comment more later…traveling. Hogan n Donald Sterling need to play Russian roulette with all the bullets in the chambers…it’s 2015 the world’s a better place without their racism n ignorance.”

BRUCE COMTOIS (Hulk Hogan’s driver and friend)
“It’s very surprising. He never demonstrated any behavior like that when I was around. Not once (did he hear racial remarks from Hogan)! There were no racial overtones. He never ranted about anything. He wouldn’t go off about anyone, color or background. This is a real surprise for me. I don’t know what he may or may or may not have been thinking. It’s like your pastor saying something and going, ‘Did you just say that?!’ That’s how aghast I am.”

DENNIS RODMAN
“I’ve known @HulkHogan for 25 years. Here he is hanging with Kylin in NJ. There isn’t a racist bone in that mans body. Lets lend our support to the Hulkster @HulkHogan who most certainly is not a racist @Scottiepippen @MagicJohnson @Shaq @MikeTyson.”

VINCE RUSSO
“In my imperfection, God also made it clear to me the importance of Forgiveness. Being that we are all sinners, we are all going to fall short of the mark–every, last one of us—and it is at those times that He made it clear to us that we are simply to love our brothers. Uplift them when they are down. Have compassion in our hearts because that same compassion is what we are going to need as human beings—when it’s our turn to fall short of our expectations. For 15 years, people continue to go back in time to a moment in wrestling when as a wrestling character I cut a wrestling promo in a wrestling ring about another wrestling character. On that night I was doing my job as an entertainer to simply entertain the audience who was engaged. The fact is that every time I was ever in front of a camera, that’s all I was doing, pretending to be somebody I wasn’t to simply play a role in the play. Personally, in my heart, I never had any distain for Terry Bollea. Due to the circumstances was I a bit angry at that moment in time—yes, I was, but as a human being I never either disliked, or hated Terry Bollea as a human being. At the end of the day he was trying to do what was right for him, as I was trying to do the same for me. The problem was that we BOTH made the mistake of putting ourselves before the other. Thankfully, later on, I had the opportunity to work with Terry once again, and during that time, what I saw was the heart of a child, who was still loving and enjoying every second he was around the business he loved. That is no lie. But, the truth is, even somebody as polished as him, could wear his emotions on his sleeve at times, making the error of speaking strictly from raw feeling, rather than to think about the words that came out of his mouth. . . words he might regret later. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been guilty of that. The truth is . . . we’ve all been guilty of that. Why? Because it goes back to that sin gene which we inherited and which we all needed somebody else to sacrifice themselves for–in order to cover us.”

GEORGE FOREMAN
“I have known Hulk Hogan for well over 20 years. I do not condone the language he used, but he is no racist, he is a good guy. He is a friend of mine. We have hung out together and we have even been in the ring together. I consider him a friend.”

VIRGIL
“You can only judge a person based on past experience. Hulk Hogan has never given me a reason to believe he is a racist. Don’t be takin @HulkHogan words out of text. That man has done more for me than almost anybody man.”

MICK FOLEY
“My heart truly hurts for @HulkHogan,” Foley tweeted. “I firmly believe he’s a very good person who made a very bad mistake. Pulling for you, brother!”
CM PUNK
“Waiting patiently for a Hogan/Cosby meme to further shatter all our memories and innocence from the 80’s.”

BOOKER T
“I am shocked by the statements made by Hulk Hogan. It’s unfortunate, but that’s something that he’s going to have to deal with.”

DISCO INFERNO
“Worked with the guy for 7 years. Never saw anything remotely close to racism from ‪@HulkHogan‬.”

KEVIN NASH
“I’ve spent the last 23 years of my life with Hulk. I’ve been in the most diverse of situations and never heard Hulk use a racial slur. In no way dismissing the remarks.Just looking at the situation. Sex tape thats set up.Tapes that are easily edited. Content that was pushed. I’ve watched Hulk do 10,000 make awish greetings. Religion creed or color. Never changed the love he shared.Judge a man put him with a child.”

article topics :

Hulk Hogan, RSarnecky