Total Pro Sports
Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III detailed his struggles with alcohol before his tragic 2021 DUI crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, Max.
Henry Ruggs was a highly-touted prospect from Alabama who was drafted 12th overall by the Raiders in 2020. Ruggs was considered one of the “big three” wide receiver prospects that year, along with Alabama teammate Jerry Jeudy (15th overall to Alabama) and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb (17th overall to the Dallas Cowboys).
But Ruggs’ promising NFL career came to a halt on Nov. 2, 2021, when he was involved in a fatal accident in Las Vegas while under the influence that killed Tintor and Max. Ruggs was speeding at 156 MPH in his Chevrolet Corvette and had a blood alcohol content of 0.16, twice the legal limit in the state of Nevada.
On Tuesday night, Ruggs was a guest speaker at the Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas. He issued an apology to Tintor’s family, expressing his wish to”turn back the hands of time,” per Mark Inabinett of AL.com.
Former @Raiders WR Henry Ruggs on what he'd say to the family of Tina Tintor. pic.twitter.com/Whc8KogBNp
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) June 18, 2025
Henry Ruggs also recalled his struggles with alcohol before the tragic crash, citing his difficulties to balance football with a regular life:
“I’m not even a big user, but started to indulge in things and trying to balance life and football but putting football on the forefront but still trying to escape back into life. It kind of – it just didn’t mix.””
HEARTBREAKING: Henry Ruggs on why the tragedy happened with alcohol involved.
“I'm not even a big user, but started to. Trying to balance life & football, putting ball on the forefront, still trying to escape back into life. It kind of, it just didn't mix”pic.twitter.com/CEh22gM6wv
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 18, 2025
In Aug. 2023, Henry Ruggs was given a three-to-10-year prison sentence. Ruggs will be eligible for parole in Aug. 2026, and could be released then (he’ll be 27 years of age) if he maintains good behavior.
Ruggs’ former Raiders teammate, Josh Jacobs, revealed last month that the former Alabama star is hopeful about a second chance in the NFL. Jacobs, who remains close with Ruggs, added that he continues to train in hopes of another opportunity when he’s out of prison.
In 20 games with the Raiders, the speedy Ruggs caught 50 passes for 921 yards and four touchdowns.
