On the night of June 17, 2025, former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was granted a rare special release from the Nevada Department of Corrections to speak at a Hope for Prisoners event held at the Billy Walters Center for Second Chances in Las Vegas. This marked the first public appearance and statement from Ruggs since his sentencing in August 2023 for a tragic DUI crash that claimed the life of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, Max.
The event, which focuses on providing long-term support and services for formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society, provided Ruggs with a platform to share his story and express remorse directly to the family of the woman whose life was cut short nearly four years ago. Ruggs, once a rising star in professional football, opened up candidly about the devastating consequences of his actions and the personal toll the incident has taken on him.
In a heartfelt address captured on video by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Ruggs reflected on the irreversible tragedy, saying, "One, I wish I could turn back the hands of time. 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 my face is always in the news, it's always in the newspaper. So they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, be reminded of me." His words conveyed a deep sense of regret and a desire to be seen beyond the headlines that have defined him since the accident.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of November 2, 2021, when Ruggs was driving his Corvette at speeds reaching up to 156 mph in Las Vegas, far exceeding the 45 mph speed limit in the area. His vehicle collided with a Toyota RAV4 driven by Tina Tintor, who tragically died from thermal injuries sustained in the collision, as determined by the Clark County Office of the Coroner. Tintor's beloved dog, Max, also perished in the crash.
Tests conducted within two hours of the accident at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada revealed Ruggs had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.161 percent, more than double Nevada's legal limit of 0.08 percent. The crash not only ended Tintor's life but also abruptly halted Ruggs' promising NFL career. The Las Vegas Raiders released him the day after the accident, November 3, 2021.
Before his professional career, Ruggs was a standout athlete. He earned All-State recognition in 2015 and 2016 at Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, and played college football at the University of Alabama. There, he was part of the 2017 national championship team and compiled impressive stats over three seasons, including 98 receptions for 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns. His speed was legendary, clocking the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.27 seconds at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, which helped him become the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
However, his NFL career lasted just two seasons and 20 games, during which he amassed 50 receptions for 921 yards and four touchdowns. The crash abruptly ended any further progress.
Legal proceedings following the accident were complex and protracted. Initially, Ruggs faced multiple charges, including two counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm and possession of a gun under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After a series of delays caused by evidence reviews, judge assignments, and legal challenges, Ruggs pled guilty in May 2023 to one count of felony driving under the influence causing death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
In August 2023, Judge Jennifer Schwartz sentenced Ruggs to a prison term ranging from three to ten years for the felony count and an additional six months for the misdemeanor. According to Nevada Department of Corrections records, his earliest parole eligibility is set for August 5, 2026, with mandatory parole consideration by July 4, 2027.
During his sentencing, Ruggs read a statement offering a sincere apology to Tintor's family, expressing remorse for the pain and suffering caused. He said, "I sincerely apologize for the pain and suffering my actions the morning of Nov. 2, 2021, have caused you, your family and everyone who knew and loved Miss Tina and Max." Tintor's mother, Mirjana Komazec, also issued a poignant statement, expressing hope that the tragedy would inspire positive change and underscoring the importance of looking out for one another.
At the Hope for Prisoners event, Ruggs further elaborated on the personal impact of the accident. He revealed that the guilt weighs on him daily, not only for the life he took but also for the loss of his best friend, Rod Scott, who died in a traffic accident in 2016. Ruggs shared, "Not only was I responsible for a life being taken but also lost my best friend in a car accident. So now I’m living with not only the guilt of not driving him, but the guilt of hurting someone else with me behind the wheel. So every day I’m thinking, ‘What else could I have done? How could I change that situation?’" This reflection highlights the profound and lasting psychological burden Ruggs carries.
He also addressed the role alcohol played in the crash, admitting, "I’m not even a big user, but started to indulge in things and trying to balance life and football but putting football on the forefront but still trying to escape back into life. It kind of – it just didn’t mix." This candid acknowledgment sheds light on the struggles that contributed to the tragic event.
Despite the gravity of his actions and the consequences, Ruggs expressed a complex mixture of regret and hope during the event. When asked if he would play for the Raiders again if given the opportunity after his release, he responded simply, "Why would I not?" This statement hints at his desire to rebuild and move forward, even as he confronts the ramifications of his past.
The Hope for Prisoners program, based in Las Vegas, plays a crucial role in supporting individuals like Ruggs as they seek redemption and reintegration into society. By providing resources and community, the organization aims to help the formerly incarcerated reclaim their lives, families, and standing in the community.
Henry Ruggs III’s story is a tragic reminder of how quickly a promising life and career can be derailed by a moment of poor judgment. His public apology and willingness to engage with the community reflect an effort to take responsibility and foster healing, even as he continues to serve his sentence. The impact of that fateful night in November 2021 still resonates deeply—for Ruggs, for the family of Tina Tintor, and for the wider community grappling with the consequences of reckless decisions behind the wheel.
