The Las Vegas Raiders made the decision to release wide receiver Henry Ruggs III on Tuesday night following his recent involvement in a fatal vehicle crash. Ruggs is facing serious charges, including felony DUI and reckless driving. He was released from the hospital earlier on Tuesday and has been taken into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday evening.
Former #Raiders WR Henry Ruggs is accused of driving 156 mph seconds before the crash. He was at 127mph when airbags deployed. His blood alcohol level was .161, which is more than twice the legal limit. A loaded gun was also found in the car.
This is his mug shot, via @8NewsNow: pic.twitter.com/oNDFBiQWfA
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 3, 2021
The 22-year-old receiver was driving a Chevrolet Corvette at ridiculously high speeds and ran into a Toyota in a residential area early Tuesday morning. Ruggs and his passenger, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, were both hospitalized with serious injuries. Thankfully, they suffered minor injuries. The passenger and dog in the Toyota; however, died once the vehicle burst into flames.
Ruggs “showed signs of impairment,” police mentioned in their statement. The woman remains unidentified. The police are forbidden to disclose medical information due to federal privacy law, said Officer Larry Hadfield, per sources.
In Nevada, probation is not available for a DUI causing death conviction. The charge carries a potential sentence of two to 20 years in state prison, according to sources. However, Rugg’s attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, said that they are investigating the crash on their client’s behalf. Chesnoff hopes that people will reserve judgment until they find all the facts. Chesnoff declined additional comments on his client’s behalf.
In January, the same attorney that represented Raiders Josh Jacobs during his arrest currently represents Ruggs. The investigation freed Jacobs of all charges. They found that his blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit.
The Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Issue Statements
The Raiders provide car services for players in need and offer a player engagement program to educate them about potential risks.The Raiders issued a statement addressing the involvement of Henry Ruggs III on the organization’s behalf:
“Devastated by the loss of life,” and “in the process of gathering information.”
The NFL expressed sympathy for the victim and those affected by the tragic incident. They are gathering facts and closely monitoring the situation.
Henry Ruggs III Actions are A Bit Ironic
These events that took place this week during the Raiders’ bye week. They reported back to the facility Monday, before having Tuesday off. They were preparing to face the New York Giants. Previously, Ruggs is a former first-round draft pick in 2020 out of Alabama, 12th overall.
“He was the only person I wanted in this draft,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said.
Ruggs recorded 24 catches for 469 yards and two touchdowns in the 2021 season. He averaged 19.5 yards a catch and was second in the league among pass catchers with at least 20 receptions, per ESPN.
Ruggs dealt with childhood trauma growing up. He lost his childhood friend, Rod Scott, in a car accident in 2016. Ruggs often pays tribute to him after big plays by putting him up three fingers in honor of Scott who wore number three.
Henry @__RUGGS III dedicates every game to his fallen friend, Rod Scott. ❤️
🎥 @CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/UDpODjKj0M
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) November 9, 2019
