Individuals advocating for the parole of Henry Ruggs III, a former Las Vegas Raiders player, stressed his personal improvement and remorse regarding a fatal 2021 car crash. These appeals proved insufficient for the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners, which denied his parole request. Ruggs is set for a mandatory parole release date in 2027.
In a past court appearance at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, attorneys announced Ruggs’ plea agreement on felony DUI charges connected to the deadly crash. Nearly five years have elapsed since Ruggs, a 2020 first-round draft pick, drove his sports car at speeds up to 156 mph, colliding with Tina Tintor’s vehicle.
Tintor, aged 23, and her dog, Max, perished as their car erupted into flames. Prosecutors indicated that Ruggs was legally drunk, with a blood alcohol level of 0.16, double the legal limit. This level was verified through a test conducted within the required two hours post-crash.
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs had reportedly spent the evening at Topgolf, a Las Vegas sports entertainment venue. His Chevrolet Corvette collided with another vehicle, resulting in the accident that led to his DUI resulting in death charge.
In May 2023, Ruggs pled guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. By August 2023, he was sentenced to three to ten years in prison, effectively ending his NFL career. Some speculate Ruggs might attempt a return to the NFL, reaching 28 years old by the 2027 season, assuming early release.
During his incarceration, Ruggs completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, engaged in prison work, and participated in trustee programs. His activities included work at the Nevada governor’s mansion, part of a state inmate work program. Despite expressing remorse, it was insufficient for the board.
Reports from the Associated Press reveal Ruggs will revisit the parole board three months before his August 24, 2027, scheduled release date, as stated by Kathi Baker, executive director of the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners.