By Wade Keller, Torch editor

Nick Bollea's attorneys, Morris "Sandy" Weinberg Jr. and Kevin Hayslett, released the following statement to the media. It was published by People's website and other media outlets today:

"Nick and the entire 'Hogan' Bollea family are saddened that criminal charges have been filed in regards to the tragic single car accident on August 26, 2007. Nick will meet and answer these charges in the appropriate arena - a court of law. The family's primary focus and concern still remains for the continued recovery of Nick's longtime friend John Graziano. The Bolleas will also continue to stand by the Graziano family and help them in any way they can.

"The tragedy to both families is compounded by the fact that unfortunately John was not wearing his seatbelt. Thankfully, Nick was wearing his. Because of what happened to John, the entire Bollea family will make it a priority to increase public awareness about the importance of always wearing your seatbelt.

"There has been much speculation as to the speed and wet road conditions surrounding this accident. Although all the evidence has not been evaluated, preliminary reports from the experts indicate that this was not, in fact, a high-speed accident.

"Because Nick is still a juvenile and has no prior criminal record, we are disappointed that he is being charged as an adult offender. However, we are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that this was an accident. We ask all who follow these events to keep an open mind as to the facts until they have been ultimately determined. Finally, we thank all who have prayed for John's recovery and ask for your continued support and prayers."

WK: I'd have respected this statement more had they not phrased it in a way that seemed "slick." This comes across as if they're bringing up the seatbelt issue because they want to publicize the importance of wearing them, rather than the obvious reason of shifting blame to John for bad judgment and away from Nick's driving habits. Had they just said outright that John wouldn't have been injured as badly had he worn his seat belt, and therefore he deserves some of the blame, it would have sounded harsh, but least you could respect them for being up front about it. Instead, they're trying to mask that blame-shift by making it sound like they're "inspired" to become spokespeople for seatbelts. The St. Petersburg Times report, linked in our previous news update, thoroughly disputes the claim here that it wasn't a high speed accident. There are certainly witnesses claiming it was just that. The statment that they are confident this will be found to be an accident is strange. Of course it was an accident. Nobody is accusing Nick of trying to kill John. If there was some sort of suicide pact, Nick wouldn't have worn his seatbelt. That's never been suggested anywhere I've seen. Accidents happen sometimes by bad luck, and other times as a result of abhorent behavior, and other times as a result of recklessness. Not all accidents are created equal.

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