Making it to the NFL comes with fame, recognition, and money-lots of it. Young players who reach the professional level are often dazzled by everything the league offers. Unfortunately, this sudden abundance can spiral into chaos for many of them-especially those with a troubled and impoverished past.
The Tragic Accident Involving Henry Ruggs
The Las Vegas Raiders gave rookie Ashton Jeanty a custom box of donuts
Having everything within reach can create a dangerous illusion of invincibility, leading some players to act irresponsibly. One such example is former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs, who, in 2021, was involved in a tragic high-speedcar accident. Driving recklessly, Ruggs caused the death of Tina Tintor and her golden retriever, who both perished in a fiery crash.
Ruggs later apologized to the Tintor family and expressed remorse for his actions.
“I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” Ruggs said. “I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something. I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact that … my face is always in the news. My face is always in the newspaper.
“So they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, and be reminded of me and see those memories have to continue to rise because of all of the fanbase and notoriety that I have, which I never asked for — I never liked. I would just tell them that I deeply apologize for just being a part of that and I wish that they could meet the real Henry Ruggs and not one who was just running away from everything.”
The wide receiver faced charges of DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test. On August 9, 2023, Ruggs was sentenced to 3 to 9 years at High Desert State Prison in Nevada.
Before the fatal crash, Ruggs and his girlfriend had been drinking at a TopGolf location. He was driving at 156 mph at the time of the collision, a detail that shocked the public and only added to the gravity of the case.
Ruggs Hopes for a Second Chance in the NFL
Now behind bars, the former Raiders receiver claims he has learned a lot from his harrowing experience and hopes that once he is released, he’ll have a chance to return to the NFL.
“Yes, I would love to,”Ruggs told 247Sports. “I’m in this newfound spiritual space, and I’m confident in who I am and what I can do, so, when the time comes, I’m sure I’ll be ready.”
“I don’t feel like I ended on the terms that are meaningful to me and my core values. I would love to play again, and what better place to do it than where I started? Not to mention, I was the first-ever pick in Las Vegas.”
Time will tell whether Ruggs will be granted another opportunity by an NFL franchise once he completes his sentence.
This news was originally published on this post .
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