Henry Ruggs III begins parole process, seeks early release from prison after vehicular manslaughter conviction originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was the first pass-catcher taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has spent nearly three years in prison after pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He could soon be released on parole.
Ruggs, 27, started the process of seeking his release earlier this week. Appearing before the Nevada Board of Parole via a Zoom call on Monday, Ruggs made his case for an early release.
Here's what you need to know.
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While speaking with the Nevada Board of Parole on Monday, Ruggs expressed contrition over his actions related to a Nov. 2021 collision that left a 23-year-old woman dead.
"Not a minute goes by where I don't think of the pain I caused her family, her friends and the Las Vegas community," Ruggs told the parole board, per AL.com's Mark Inabinett . "I'm a religious person and pray for her family daily."
On the morning of Nov. 4, 2021, Ruggs' Corvette collided with Tintor's car. At the time of the collision, Ruggs' vehicle was traveling 127 miles per hour. Tintor and her dog were killed in the wreck.
Ruggs was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance resulting in death, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance resulting in death or substantial bodily harm, two counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm and possession of a gun under the influence of alcohol or drugs. His blood-alcohol concentration was measured to be .161, two times the legal limit in the state of Nevada.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said Ruggs could face more than 50 years in prison if convicted of all the charges. At the trial, Wolfson's office accepted a plea deal with Ruggs, citing concerns over the potential suppression of the results of Ruggs' blood test.
Ruggs was sentenced to from three to 10 years in prison for his role in the accident. On Monday, he appealed to the Nevada Board of Parole to grant him "the privilege of parole so I can prove myself to everyone."
"I take full responsibility for my actions that led to Ms. Tintor's death and her dog Max," Ruggs said, per Las Vegas Review Journal.
Commissioners did not announce a decision on whether they would grant or deny parole for Ruggs during the hearing. They said they'll come to a decision in the next few weeks.
MORE: Where Ruggs' DUI fits in Raiders' timeline of 2021 drama
Ruggs was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for his role in Tintor's death. On the morning of Nov. 4, 2021, Ruggs was speeding on Las Vegas' Rainbow Boulevard when he slammed his Corvette Stingray into the back of Tintor's SUV. The collision was fierce it set Tintor's car on fire. She and her dog, Max, were killed in the wreck.
Ruggs was driving up to 156 mph in the seconds before the catch. He was said to be facing more than 50 years in prison, but secured a plea deal after the defense expressed concerns that Ruggs' blood-test results would be suppressed.
Since entering prison, Ruggs has been incarcerated in High Desert State Prison, Casa Grande Transitional Housing and Northern Nevada. Nevada Board of Parole Commissioner Sandy Schmitt said guidelines recommend Ruggs should be paroled at his first or second opportunity. He reportedly worked at the Governor's Mansion and led cardio lessons for inmates while incarcerated. He also completed his Alabama degree while being locked away.
With a sentence of 36-120 months in prison, Ruggs technically could be out of prison as early as Aug. 2026 -- three years after he was sent into its wretched halls. Per AL.com, Ruggs' earliest possible release date is Aug. 5. KTNV-TV
reported that the Nevada Board of Parole plans on having a decision for Ruggs' case by June 14.
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Ruggs expressed an interest in resuming his NFL career when he is released from prison. In June 2025, Ruggs — speaking at the "Hope for Prisoners" conference while on temporary release — apologized for his actions.
"One, I wish I could turn back the hands of time," Ruggs 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, it's always in the newspaper.
"So they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, be reminded of me."
When asked whether he'd like to play again, Ruggs gave a resounding answer.
"Yes, I would love to [play again]," Ruggs said, via Bryan Horwath of the Las Vegas Review-Journal . "I'm in this newfound spiritual space, and I'm confident in who I am and what I can do, so, when the time comes, I'm sure I'll be ready."
NFL teams have shown a willingness to give second chances to player in recent campaigns. More than 20 civil lawsuits were filed against Deshaun Watson accusing the Browns quarterback of inappropriate conduct and sexual assault. He was still reinstated in 2022, after missing the entire 2021 season for "non-injury reasons/personal matter." Watson was suspended 11 games and fined $5 million for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Ruggs is 27 years old. He was born on Jan. 24, 1999.
