Nevada parole board denies release for ex-Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III

The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners denied parole to former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III on Thursday, ruling against his request for early release nearly five years after a fatal car crash. The decision concludes a review process that began in May, when the 27-year-old appeared before the board to accept responsibility for the death of Tina Tintor and her dog.

Ruggs, who was in his second season with the Raiders at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty in May 2023 to one count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor manslaughter. He was originally sentenced to a prison term of three to 10 years in August 2023. The crash occurred in 2021, with authorities alleging Ruggs was driving at 156 mph and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16, which is double the legal limit in Nevada.

During his appearance before the board in May, Ruggs stated that he thinks of Tintor’s family daily and prays for them. Video obtained by KTNV-TV captured his statement to the commissioners, in which he said, “Not a minute goes by where I don’t think of the pain I caused her family, her friends and the Las Vegas community.” The board had indicated it would reach a decision by June 14, with the earliest possible parole date being 5 August.

The Raiders released Ruggs shortly after he was charged with the offences. A first-round pick selected 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs recorded 79 catches for 921 yards and four touchdowns in 20 games with the team before his departure. His career in the league ended following the legal proceedings related to the crash.

Following the denial, Ruggs remains incarcerated until his next eligibility window. He is scheduled to appear before the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners again on 24 August 2027. Commissioners will meet with him approximately three months prior to that date to prepare for the subsequent review.