Former NFL and Las Vegas large receiver Henry Ruggs III appeared at a Hope for Prisoners occasion in Las Vegas on Tuesday night following a particular jail launch. In an emotional deal with, Ruggs straight apologized to the household of 23‑12 months‑outdated Tina Tintor, who died within the 2021 crash,
“One, I want I might flip again the arms of time,” he stated, expressing deep regret and a want to be remembered as greater than a tragic headline. “I might love for them to fulfill the actual Henry Ruggs and never the one which was escaping from one thing. I sincerely apologize for not solely being part of that state of affairs however the reality my face is at all times within the information.”
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was allegedly driving his Corvette at speeds as much as 156 miles per hour in Las Vegas after consuming at a Topgolf. His automotive struck a Toyota RAV4 pushed by Tina Tintor, who, alongside together with her canine Max, was burned to demise when the automobiles caught fireplace. The aftermath of the tragedy unfolded shortly, and Ruggs was discovered to have a blood alcohol content material of 0.161 %, almost twice the authorized restrict in Nevada. The Las Vegas Raiders launched him the identical day.
He pleaded responsible in Could 2023 to felony DUI inflicting demise and a misdemeanor cost of vehicular manslaughter. In August 2023, he was sentenced to a time period of three to 10 years in jail by a Nevada court docket and started serving his sentence at Excessive Desert Jail. He stays eligible for parole in August 2026 following his plea deal.
Earlier than tragedy struck, Ruggs was a rising star.
A standout at Alabama from 2017 via 2019, he helped the Crimson Tide win the Nationwide Championship in 2018. He completed his faculty profession third in Alabama historical past with 24 receiving touchdowns, amassing 1,716 yards and averaging 17.5 yards per reception. He was a first-round decide by the Raiders twelfth general within the 2020 NFL Draft after his 4.27-second 40‑yard sprint and 42‑inch vertical bounce on the NFL Draft mix showcased his elite athleticism.
Ruggs spent two seasons with Las Vegas, enjoying in twenty video games. He recorded 50 receptions for 921 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns whereas additionally contributing 65 speeding yards. In his rookie 12 months in 2020, he posted 26 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns. His 2021 numbers included 24 receptions for 469 yards and two scores earlier than he was launched following the crash.
Since coming into jail, he has participated in rehabilitation initiatives, together with a trustee program on the Nevada Governor’s Mansion, the place he labored whereas incarcerated. Former teammate Josh Jacobs revealed Ruggs is staying in form and is eager for a second probability within the NFL. Jacobs stated some groups is likely to be open to giving him one other alternative if he continues to enhance and show accountability.
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Ruggs stays underneath supervision till at the least his parole date, which arrives in August of 2026. If granted parole and conduct stays constructive, he might be launched a number of years early. However even after that, he might stay underneath court docket supervision till the total ten-year higher restrict of his sentence.
On the Hope for Prisoners occasion, Ruggs expressed remorse for the hurt he brought about and the ache his actions inflicted on others. This system helps rehabilitation for inmates and focuses on neighborhood reintegration. By talking publicly, Ruggs could also be taking steps to form his submit‑jail path and search forgiveness from all affected by this tragedy.
His journey from elite soccer prospect to convicted felon is each tragic and sobering. It’s the story of a life and profession derailed right away by a second of poor judgment. His phrases in Las Vegas steered a recognition of the gravity of that second and a willingness to let others see who he was past the headlines.
Ruggs’s future stays unsure. His remorseful assertion and look on the occasion recommend a willingness to face penalties and study from his errors. If he continues on this path, he may search redemption in public service and even return to skilled soccer underneath strict situations.
For Tina Tintor’s household and for the general public, his apology could also be solely a small step. However in a room stuffed with individuals who perceive the facility of second probabilities, Ruggs at the least supplied a human response and a recognition that some errors change lives without end.
He didn’t express regret on the occasion; he requested to be seen once more as an individual. That humble request will echo for years to come back.