In a somber courtroom session on Wednesday, former NFL player Henry Ruggs was handed a three-to-10 year prison sentence for his role in a tragic crash that claimed the life of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog in November 2021. The 24-year-old, who had played as a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, had reached a plea deal in May after facing the possibility of 50 years behind bars. The agreement entailed pleading guilty to one felony count of DUI.
Expressing his remorse, Ruggs directly addressed the grieving family of Tina Tintor during the proceedings. “To the parents and family of Ms. Tintor, I sincerely apologize for the pain and suffering my actions the morning of Nov. 2, 2021 have caused you, your family and those who knew Ms. Tina and Max,” he conveyed, as reported by TMZ. Ruggs acknowledged the gravity of his actions, expressing regret for letting down his family, teammates, and those who believed in him.
The court’s decision comes after a thorough investigation into the crash, which revealed that Ruggs was driving at a staggering 156mph moments before the fatal collision. He crashed into the back of Tina Tintor’s Toyota at a speed of 127mph, despite the area’s speed limit being set at 45mph. Tragically, the impact led to Tintor’s death due to thermal injuries caused by the accident.
Ruggs’ blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, further highlighting the recklessness of his actions. The former NFL player had posted $150,000 bail after leaving the hospital, subsequently spending 18 months under strict house arrest conditions that included alcohol checks.
Despite the devastating consequences of his choices, Ruggs had shown promise as a rising star in the NFL before the incident. The Las Vegas Raiders released him shortly after the collision, marking a significant turning point in his career. As he embarks on his prison sentence, Ruggs’ words in the courtroom reflect his determination to grow and make amends: “I pledge to be the father and the man God intended me to be.”
The sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of accountability for all individuals, regardless of their public status or achievements.
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
