Henry Ruggs III, once a promising first-round NFL draft pick, continues to face the consequences of a tragic decision that ended a young life and derailed his own career.
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners denied his bid for early release, keeping the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver behind bars.
Parole Board Turns Down Ruggs After Nearly Five Years Behind Bars
Henry Ruggs III emerged as a standout wide receiver at the University of Alabama in 2017, contributing to a national championship team. He was selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his short NFL career, Ruggs showed flashes of real potential, recording 26 receptions for 452 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. His future in the league looked bright until a fateful night in November 2021 changed everything.
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III takes the field before playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
On November 2, 2021, shortly after leaving a Topgolf venue, Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at speeds reaching 156 mph in a 45 mph zone in Las Vegas. His blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.16%, twice the legal limit in Nevada.
Ruggs rear-ended a Toyota RAV4 driven by 23-year-old Tina Tintor. The impact was devastating. Tintor’s vehicle was propelled approximately 571 feet and caught fire. Both Tintor and her golden retriever, Max, died from thermal injuries sustained in the blaze.
The Raiders released Ruggs the same day. In May 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of felony DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. In August 2023, a Nevada court sentenced him to 3 to 10 years in state prison. He has served nearly five years.
Ruggs became eligible for parole on August 5, 2026. During his hearing in May 2026, he expressed remorse, took responsibility, and outlined plans for his future, including supporting his family. Despite those efforts, the Nevada Parole Board denied his request on June 11, 2026. The victim’s family opposed the release, and the decision reflected the severity of the crime.
Ruggs Expresses Remorse for Tintor’s Family, But Board Is Unmoved
During his May 2026 parole hearing, Ruggs spoke directly about the weight of what he had done.
“I take full responsibility for my actions that led to Ms. Tintor’s death and her dog Max,” Ruggs 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. I’m a religious person and pray for her family daily. I’m hoping you will allow me the privilege of parole so I can prove myself to everyone.”
His father, Henry Ruggs Jr., also addressed the commissioner. “Every single day my son is also deeply affected by this tragedy. He has shown genuine remorse and sorrow for what happened, and he understands that a life was lost, something that can never be undone,” said Henry Ruggs Jr.
The board was not persuaded. With the victim’s family opposing release and the gravity of the crime weighing heavily on the decision, Ruggs will remain incarcerated. His next opportunity for parole has not yet been publicly confirmed.
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