Former Las Vegas Raiders standout Henry Ruggs III will remain in custody after the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners rejected his application for early release this Thursday. This decision marks a significant development in the legal fallout from the tragic 2021 incident that ended the career of the once-promising NFL wide receiver.
Ruggs, who was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had been seeking parole following his incarceration for a 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 of up to 156 mph on Las Vegas streets before slamming into Tintor’s car. The impact resulted in a fatal fire that took the lives of both Tintor and her dog.
Following the crash, Ruggs entered a guilty plea to one felony count of driving under the influence resulting in death, as well as a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter. While Department of Corrections records indicated his first window of eligibility for parole opened on August 5, 2026, the board chose to deny the request during this cycle.
Future Parole Eligibility and Sentencing Guidelines
The former Raiders player is currently serving a sentence that spans from three to ten years in state prison. Despite the recent setback in his quest for release, Ruggs will have another opportunity to present his case to the parole board. This next appearance is scheduled to take place approximately three months prior to his mandatory parole release date, which is currently set for August 24, 2027.
Legal Defense and Expressions of Remorse
In the wake of the board’s decision, Ruggs’ legal team, comprised of attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, released a statement acknowledging the ongoing pain caused by the accident. They emphasized that both Ruggs and their firm remain deeply affected by the loss experienced by the Tintor family.
The defense argued that Ruggs has shown significant growth while incarcerated, citing his involvement in DUI prevention programs and various community outreach initiatives as evidence of his rehabilitation. During a 2025 meeting with the Hope for Prisoners group, the 27-year-old expressed a profound desire to change the past.
Reflecting on the public nature of his case, Ruggs noted the difficulty the Tintor family faces whenever his name appears in the media. He stated that he wished the family could know his true character rather than the version of himself associated with that night. He apologized for the constant reminders his notoriety brings to the victims’ loved ones, explaining that the fame he once sought has become a source of pain for those he impacted.
In his closing remarks at that meeting, Ruggs reiterated his deep apologies for his role in the tragedy, stating he wished he could “turn back the hands of time” to prevent the devastating event from occurring.
The denial of parole ensures that Henry Ruggs III will continue his sentence as the community and the victims’ family continue to navigate the aftermath of the 2021 crash. With his next hearing not expected until mid-2027, the former athlete remains focused on his court-mandated rehabilitation programs within the Nevada correctional system.
