Ruggs Denied Parole, Remains Imprisoned Until at Least 2027

Ruggs Denied Parole, Remains Imprisoned Until at Least 2027

The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners has denied early release for Henry Ruggs III, the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver serving a three-to-ten-year prison sentence for a 2021 drunk-driving crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. Supporters who appeared before the board argued Ruggs had shown genuine personal growth and remorse, but commissioners were not persuaded.

Ruggs was driving at speeds of up to 156 mph with a blood alcohol level of 0.16 – twice Nevada’s legal limit – when his vehicle struck Tintor’s car, which burst into flames. He had spent the evening at a Las Vegas entertainment venue before the Nov. 2, 2021, crash. Ruggs pleaded guilty in May 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced in August 2023. While incarcerated, he completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, participated in prison work programs, and served a stint at the Nevada governor’s mansion through a state inmate work initiative.

A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs had his professional career effectively ended by the conviction. Reports have indicated he harbors interest in an NFL return upon release, and he would be 28 years old ahead of the 2027 season.

According to Kathi Baker, executive director of the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners, Ruggs will appear before the board again three months before his mandatory parole release date of Aug. 24, 2027.