One year ago, it was learned former NFL receiver Henry Ruggs was interested in a return to playing football. His first chance at being paroled is approaching, and the process of seeking parole has begun.
Ruggs appealed to the Nevada Board of Parole earlier this week, as detailed by Mark Inabinett of Alabama.com. The board plans on having a decision made by June 14. The earliest date at which Ruggs could be paroled is August 5.
A November 2021 car accident resulted in the death of Tina Tintor and her dog. Ruggs’ Corvette was traveling at 127 mph at the time of the accident, and his blood alcohol content was 0.16 (double the legal limit in Nevada). Ruggs entered into a plea agreement in May 2023; as a result of the arrangement, he received a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.
“Not a minute goes by where I don’t think of the pain I caused her family, her friends and the Las Vegas community,” Ruggs said when addressing the parole board. “I’m a religious person and pray for her family daily.”
Ruggs was initially incarcerated at the High Desert State Prison near Indian Springs, Nevada. From there, he was moved to Stewart Conservation Camp near Carson City. The 27-year-old worked at the Governor’s Mansion before being transferred to Casa Grande in late 2024. After roughly one year in that transitional facility, Ruggs was moved to the Northern Nevada Correctional Facility.
“Non-compliance with travel arrangements” was cited as the reason Ruggs was transferred from Casa Grande to a higher-security location. That could hinder his chances at receiving parole. On the other hand, mitigating factors such as his work at the Governor’s Mansion, leading cardio workouts with fellow inmates and the completion of his degree, were presented to the board.
After a productive college career at Alabama, Ruggs was the first receiver selected in the 2020 draft. His time with the Raiders proved to be short-lived, as he was waived in the immediate aftermath of the crash. A report from last year suggested NFL teams could show interest in Ruggs in the event he were to be paroled.
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