Former NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has been denied parole nearly five years after the high-speed crash that claimed the life of a young woman and her dog in Las Vegas.
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Ruggs, 27, was driving at 156 mph on November 2, 2021, when his vehicle slammed into another car, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.
The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners ruled on Thursday that Ruggs would not be granted parole at this time.
NFL Star Denied Parole Following Fatal Crash
On the night of the crash, Ruggs had spent time at TopGolf before getting behind the wheel.
Court records showed that a $450 receipt for approximately 20 drinks purchased among a small group of friends was introduced as evidence during the case.
Prosecutors said Ruggs' blood alcohol concentration was 0.16 percent at the time of the collision, roughly twice Nevada's legal limit.
The former NFL player later pleaded guilty in May 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
He was sentenced to between three and 10 years in prison. He is currently incarcerated at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, a medium-security facility in Carson City.
The parole board's decision means Ruggs will remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.
Former Raiders Receiver Eligible for Review Again
According to Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners Executive Director Kathi Baker, Ruggs will have another opportunity to appear before the parole board in three months.
His mandatory parole release date remains August 24, 2027.
During a parole hearing in May, Ruggs' father spoke about the lasting impact the tragedy has had on his son.
"Every single day my son is also deeply affected by this tragedy," Ruggs' father said.
"He has shown genuine remorse and sorrow for what happened, and he understands that a life was lost, something that can never be undone."
Before entering the NFL, Ruggs starred at the University of Alabama from 2017 through 2019.
A highly sought-after recruit, he chose Alabama after receiving more than 20 scholarship offers.
Following his junior season, Ruggs declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. He was selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
He appeared in 20 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons, recording 50 receptions for 921 yards and four touchdowns.
The Raiders released Ruggs shortly after the fatal crash.
