In one of the instances above, former NFL star Henry Ruggs, a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, apologized to Tina Tintor’s family via a plea deal. Tintor tragically lost her life in the DUI crash that Ruggs caused in November of 2021. During the Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas, Ruggs offered an apology. Even after his sentencing, he was re-arrested and is now still on special release.
As of August 2023, Ruggs was sentenced to three to ten years in prison. Initially charged with 15 counts including vehicular homicide, he later pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. On the day of the crash, Ruggs was found to have an alcohol blood level of 0.16%. That’s four times the legal limit in Nevada. He pushed his sports car to an incredible 156 mph. This happened in a zone with a clearly posted 45 mph speed limit that could not be violated.
The crash led to the horrific death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. Ruggs expressed deep remorse during his sentencing, stating, “I sincerely apologize for the pain and suffering.” His sincere words demonstrate the true weight of his actions and the ripple effect they’ve had on Tintor’s family and community.
Ruggs’ ex-teammate, Josh Jacobs, said that Ruggs still has dreams of signing back to the NFL one day after being released. Jacobs’ remarks are a sign that Ruggs stays optimistic about his future, despite the grave conditions of his past.
During the event, Ruggs remarked, “One, I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” signaling his regret over the choices that led to this devastating outcome. His admission of the seriousness of what he did struck a cord with everyone that had attended that day’s event.
He is scheduled to be eligible for parole in August 2026. This milestone is an important step in his long journey toward rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. The 2013 first-round draft pick’s career hit an abrupt and deep downturn. A fatal crash cut short the South Burb’s meteoric rise.