Former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III has been sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for a fatal DUI crash that occurred in November 2021. The crash resulted in the death of a Las Vegas woman and her dog. Ruggs, who pleaded guilty to one count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, has been under house arrest with electronic monitoring devices since May. The judge described the case as one of the more tragic she has seen.
Apology to the Victim’s Family
During the sentencing hearing, Ruggs read a statement apologizing to the family of the victim, Tina Tintor. He expressed sincere remorse for the pain and suffering caused by his actions. Ruggs’ attorneys submitted documents before the hearing, requesting that the judge consider keeping their client’s prison time within the recommended range. They emphasized Ruggs’ desire to change the outcome of the tragic events and provided testimonials from teachers, staff, and his former coach at Dr. Percy L. Julian High School in Montgomery, Alabama.
Details of the Crash
According to police reports, Ruggs was driving under the influence and reached speeds of 156 mph just seconds before crashing into Tintor’s vehicle. The impact propelled her car 571 feet. A blood test conducted approximately two hours after the crash revealed that Ruggs’ blood alcohol level was 0.161, more than twice the legal limit in Nevada. The court also obtained a transcript of a phone call in which Ruggs admitted to being drunk.
Ruggs’ Actions Before the Crash
Prior to the crash, Ruggs was at Topgolf near The Strip with his girlfriend and two others. Police obtained an itemized receipt showing that the group consumed 20 drinks, mostly containing tequila. The crash occurred shortly after leaving the establishment.
Support from Tintor’s Family
Tintor’s family, who had been attending Ruggs’ hearings over the past two years, spoke publicly about the crash for the first time during the sentencing hearing. Tintor, who came to the United States as a toddler, was an integral part of her family, helping her father navigate language barriers and caring for her nephew. Her uncle, Pedja Komazec, has been advocating for stricter DUI laws in Nevada.
Raiders’ Response and Ruggs’ Future
The Las Vegas Raiders released Ruggs from the team the day after the crash. He was their first draft pick after the franchise relocated to Las Vegas. Ruggs played 20 games for the Raiders before his release. With his prison sentence, Ruggs could be eligible for parole in three years.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Henry Ruggs III for a fatal DUI crash has brought closure to the victim’s family and marked a tragic chapter in the former NFL player’s life. The judge’s decision to sentence Ruggs to three to 10 years in prison reflects the severity of his actions. Ruggs’ apology to the victim’s family demonstrates his remorse and desire to make amends. As Ruggs begins his prison term, he will have to confront the consequences of his choices while Tintor’s family continues to mourn their loss.