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The Minnesota Star-Tribune reported that former WWF and AWA star John Nord aka the Bezerker was sentenced yesterday to five years' probation, to be placed in restrictive housing and banned from any driving "whatsoever" following a series of arrests for driving under the influence, seven in total, in recent years.
Court records indicate there were 16 incidents where authorities charged Nord with either a felony or misdemeanor over the last decade. The most recent was March 23, 2019, where Nord was arrested for felony for driving while intoxicated/operating a car under the influence of a controlled substance as well as driving after his license was canceled. His license had been revoked after Nord was named “inimical to public safety.” There were six incidents where Nord was arrested for driving after his license was revoked.
According to the Star-Tribune, the prosecution pushed for four years in prison, arguing that Nord "represents a significant public safety threat" as he has continued to drive after his arrests and being ordered not to do so.
Nord's defense attorney argued that Nord, who has been diagnosed with ALS, had been using painkillers to deal with the physical and mental damage his work as a pro wrestler has left him with, is currently in treatment for his issues and for the rest of his life, will need to live in an assisted-living facilities.
Hennepin County District Judge Jay Quam noted that Nord's sentencing was hard to make a decision on, commenting, "Life has handed you a lot of special things On the other hand, it's taken away a lot of what makes you you."
Nord, 59 years old, was trained by Eddie Sharkey and wrestled for a number of promotions, including the AWA, World Class Championship Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling and the Pacific Northwest territory. He had a run in the early 1990s in the WWF as The Bezerker, the character he is probably best remembered for. He was among the former professional wrestlers who filed a class action lawsuit against WWE with allegations the company had hid the potential of CTE (which had not been discovered at the point Nord worked for the company) and other potential head trauma from the talents they contracted. That lawsuit had been dismissed, but an attempt to appeal that decision is currently making its way through the courts.
Nord is required to return to court in three months to show an update on his personal progress.
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