Former Las Vegas Raiders standout Henry Ruggs III will remain incarcerated following a decision by the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners to deny his request for release. The ruling, handed down on Thursday, ensures the former wide receiver continues serving his sentence for the 2021 crash that resulted in a fatality.
Nevada Parole Board Rejects Early Release for Henry Ruggs III
Ruggs, who was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, sought parole nearly five years after the high-speed collision that claimed the life of 23-year-old Tina Tintor. On November 2, 2021, authorities determined that Ruggs was operating his Corvette at speeds reaching 156 mph before crashing into Tintor’s car in Las Vegas. The severity of the incident led to significant legal consequences for the former professional athlete.
Legal Background and Sentencing Details
The former receiver’s legal battle concluded with a guilty plea to one felony count of driving under the influence resulting in death, along with a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter. According to records from the Nevada Department of Corrections, Ruggs reached his first window of parole eligibility on August 5, 2026. However, the parole board determined that he would remain in custody following this initial application.
Ruggs is currently serving a prison term that ranges from a minimum of three years to a maximum of ten years. While this initial parole request was unsuccessful, he will have another opportunity to present his case to the board. This next hearing is expected to take place approximately three months before his scheduled mandatory parole release date on August 24, 2027.
Defense Claims and Statements of Remorse
In a statement provided to ESPN, Ruggs’ legal representatives, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, expressed that their client remains deeply affected by the tragedy and the loss suffered by the Tintor family. The defense team argues that there is substantial evidence showing Ruggs has taken full responsibility for his actions. Since being taken into custody, he has reportedly participated in community outreach programs and efforts focused on the prevention of driving under the influence.
During a 2025 meeting with the Hope for Prisoners group in Las Vegas, the 27-year-old athlete spoke publicly about his desire to change the past. Ruggs expressed a deep wish to “turn back the hands of time” and apologized for the constant media attention his celebrity status brings to the case. He noted that the recurring news coverage serves as a painful reminder for the victim’s family, something he stated he never desired.
Ruggs emphasized his regret during the meeting, stating that he wished the family could see his true character rather than the person associated with the fatal night. He concluded his public remarks by offering a sincere apology for his involvement in the situation and the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding it.
Summary of the Parole Decision and Next Steps
The denial of parole for Henry Ruggs III marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn national attention since 2021. Despite his defense team’s highlights regarding his rehabilitation efforts and personal accountability while in prison, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners has opted to keep him incarcerated for the time being. With his mandatory release date set for late 2027, Ruggs will remain focused on his current programs until his next eligibility window opens just months before his final release.
