The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners has officially declined the parole application for Henry Ruggs III, ensuring the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver will remain in state custody. This decision follows his petition for early release, which was reviewed this past Thursday.
Ruggs, who was once a premier talent and the 12th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, saw his professional career collapse following a catastrophic high-speed collision in late 2021. The incident resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor. Investigative data revealed that Ruggs’ Corvette reached a staggering speed of 156 mph before slamming into Tintor’s car on November 2, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Following the tragedy, Ruggs entered a guilty plea to one felony count of driving under the influence resulting in death and a misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter. While state records from the Nevada Department of Corrections suggested he first became eligible for parole on August 5, 2026, the board determined that he is not yet fit for release.
Timeline for Future Parole Consideration
Currently, Ruggs is serving a prison term ranging from three to 10 years. Because his initial application was rejected, his next opportunity to stand before the parole board will not arrive until mid-2027. This hearing is expected to take place approximately three months before his scheduled mandatory parole release date on August 24, 2027.
The legal team representing the 27-year-old, led by David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, released a statement acknowledging the profound and lasting impact the tragedy has had on the Tintor family. They emphasized that their client has spent his time in incarceration attempting to make amends through DUI prevention advocacy and various community outreach efforts.
Ruggs Reflects on Accountability and Public Notoriety
During a 2025 appearance at a Hope for Prisoners event, Ruggs voiced deep regret over his actions. He admitted that he frequently wishes he could “turn back the hands of time” to prevent the collision. Ruggs also addressed the specific pain caused by his status as a public figure, noting that the constant media coverage of his life forces the Tintor family to relive the tragedy whenever his name appears in the news.
The former athlete stated that he never sought the fame or notoriety associated with his NFL career and expressed a desire for the victim’s family to see his true character rather than the version of himself that was “running away” from personal issues at the time of the crash.
Summary of Current Legal Standing
The denial of parole highlights the severity of the charges and the tragic loss of life involved in the case. Despite the defense’s arguments regarding Rugs’ rehabilitation and community service while in prison, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners has prioritized continued accountability. Ruggs will remain incarcerated as he approaches his mandatory release window in 2027, continuing his participation in institutional programs aimed at DUI education and prevention.
