Former Las Vegas Raiders’ wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is back in the news cycle this week, though for something positive this time around. Ruggs was sentenced to 3-to-10 years in prison for committing vehicular manslaughter back in November 2021.
The 26-year-old officially graduated from the University of Alabama while serving his sentence in Northern Nevada Correctional Center. He spent three years as a student-athlete at Alabama from 2017-2019, but opted to enter the NFL Draft ahead of his senior year. Now, he has completed his degree, graduating via online courses with a 4.0 GPA in his final semester.
Ruggs was arrested in November of 2021, halfway through his second season in the NFL. He was driving 156 MPH while intoxicated (his blood alcohol level was 0.16, twice the legal limit) when he crashed into a car, killing the driver Tina Tintor and her dog.
Ruggs pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to 3-to-10 years in prison in August of 2023. He is eligible for parole in August of 2026.
Ruggs Graduates From University of Alabama
Many athletes who make the jump from college to the pros before they graduate end up going back to school after their playing career is over. For Ruggs, his return to school came much sooner than he probably would have expected.
The 26-year-old had gotten off to a promising start to his NFL career; he was drafted with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft and caught 26 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games in his rookie season.
He had eclipsed his rookie receiving yards numbers through seven games of the 2021 season before his poor decision to drink and drive cost him his career and the life of Tina Tintor and her dog.
Ruggs has displayed remorse for his actions through the trial and his time in prison, and seems to be on a path to earn parole come his time for eligibility next August. His potential early release from prison has sparked controversy among many who believe he should have to serve a full sentence for the crime he committed.
That controversy has been especially high when people have proposed the idea that he could return to the NFL if he is still in playing shape when released.
Raiders Looking Forward to Next Season
The Raiders fell to 2-12 with their 31-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in week 15. They are now in position to potentially grab the No. 1 overall pick, tied with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, who are both at 2-12 as well.
Vegas certainly needs the No. 1 pick more than the Giants or Titans, solely because they are in need of their next quarterback. New York has Jaxson Dart and Tennessee has Cam Ward, while Raiders fans have been saddled with Geno Smith.
The consensus top quarterback is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who has led the Hoosier to a perfect 13-0 record while winning the Big 10, en route to being awarded the Heisman Trophy. He is vying for a national title with Indiana right now, and will most certainly be the Raiders top target come April of 2026.
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