Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has been denied parole, prolonging his prison sentence for a tragic drunk driving crash that claimed a woman's life. The 25-year-old, who once dazzled as a first-round draft pick out of Alabama, will remain incarcerated for at least another year.
Ruggs pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter after his car slammed into another vehicle in November 2021, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. He was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison and has been serving time since.
At a parole hearing last June, Ruggs spoke at a “Hope for Prisoners” event, expressing deep remorse. “I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” he said. “I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something. I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact my face is always in the news, so they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, be reminded of me.”
Despite his public apology, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners decided Thursday that Ruggs will not be released this August, nearly five years after the crash. He can appeal the decision, though his legal team has not yet commented.
Ruggs’ mandatory parole release date remains Aug. 24, 2027, meaning he could still be released then if no further action is taken. For now, he is scheduled to meet with the parole board again within the next 12 months.
The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Ruggs was the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and had shown promise with the Raiders before the incident ended his career.
In other NFL news, the Raiders are dealing with a different kind of off-field story as quarterback Fernando Mendoza files a trademark for his nickname. Meanwhile, the sports world continues to mourn the loss of former UFC fighter Jay Silva, who died at 45, leaving the MMA community in mourning.
Ruggs’ case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fame can fade. Once hailed as a rising star, his legacy is now defined by a split-second decision that forever altered multiple lives. As he waits for his next parole hearing, the question remains whether he will ever get a second chance at freedom.
