Former NFL Wide Receiver Apologizes for 2021 DUI Crash That Killed Young Woman

A first-round draft pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, Henry Ruggs III told the victim’s family he wishes he could turn back time.

Former Las Vegas Raider Henry Ruggs III in the courtroom during his sentencing hearing at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Aug. 9, 2023. Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP

Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III broke his silence on his 2021 DUI car crash that left one woman dead.

On June 17, the 26-year-old publicly apologized to the family of Tina Tintor, despite them not being present, while delivering a speech at the Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas.

The organization helps formerly incarcerated individuals with community reentry through support and services. Ruggs was granted special release from prison to attend the event.

“I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” he told attendees and via Facebook livestream.

“I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something. I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact my face is always in the news, it’s always in the newspaper.”

Tintor, 23, was killed in November 2021 when Ruggs crashed into her vehicle while driving drunk at 156 mph in Las Vegas.

“They have to constantly be reminded of the situation,” he added.

“Be reminded of me and see those memories have to continue to rise because of all of the fanbase and notoriety that I have, which I never even asked for, I never liked. I would just tell them that I deeply apologize for just being a part of that.”

According to authorities, Ruggs was driving with a blood-alcohol content twice Nevada’s legal limit when his Corvette slammed into the back of Tintor’s vehicle, causing it to catch fire.

She died as a result of thermal injuries, along with her 3-year-old golden retriever, Max, who was also in the vehicle.

In 2023, the former first-round NFL draft pick pleaded guilty to one felony count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor manslaughter. He was placed on house arrest with a GPS and continuous alcohol monitor prior to his sentencing.

In August 2023, he was sentenced to three to 10 years behind bars; he is eligible for parole on Aug. 6, 2026.

The Raiders were quick to release the University of Alabama alum following the crash, despite his being picked 12th overall in the 2020 draft.

When asked if he would return to playing football, Ruggs said he “would love to,” especially for the Raiders if given the opportunity.

“I’m in this newfound spiritual space,” he said at the Hope for Prisoners event. “I’m confident in who I am and what I can do, so when the time comes, I’m sure I'll be ready.

“I don’t feel like I ended on the terms that are meaningful to me and my core values. I would love to play again, and what better place to do it than where I started?”