Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has completed his university degree from behind bars, achieving academic honours despite a prison sentence for a fatal drunk-driving crash.
From NFL Prospect to Prison Inmate
Henry Ruggs III, now 26, was once a first-round NFL draft pick with a promising career ahead. His life took a devastating turn in November 2021. Ruggs was driving under the influence at approximately 3:30am when his vehicle, travelling at extreme speed, rear-ended another car. The collision caused the victim's SUV to erupt in flames, leading to the tragic deaths of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.
Police reports stated Ruggs was driving at 156mph seconds before impact and hit Tintor's vehicle at 127mph in a 45mph zone. His blood-alcohol level was recorded at twice the legal limit. Initially facing up to 50 years in prison, Ruggs pleaded guilty in August 2023 to one count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanour vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced to three-to-ten years in prison.
Academic Achievement Behind Bars
Despite his incarceration, Ruggs has now completed his studies with the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide. According to a report by journalist Jordan Schultz, Ruggs not only graduated but excelled academically. He was named to the President’s List in his final semester after achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Ruggs had left the university in 2019 to declare for the NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility. During his three-year college football career in Tuscaloosa, he was a standout player, recording 1,716 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns from 98 catches. He was selected 12th overall by the Raiders in the 2020 draft.
Prison Transfer and Future Parole
This academic news comes just days after reports emerged that Ruggs had been transferred to a higher-security facility. He was moved from the minimum-security Casa Grande Transitional Center to the medium-security Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City.
A spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Corrections told local media that while they could not discuss specific cases, offenders can be moved to a higher custody level for infractions. Ruggs is now eligible for parole consideration in August of next year.
The case remains a stark story of lost potential, profound tragedy for the victim's family, and an unexpected academic accomplishment within the prison system. Ruggs's professional football career ended abruptly with the crash; the Raiders released him while he was still hospitalised for injuries sustained in the collision.
