Henry Ruggs III, former Alabama wideout, is currently serving a prison term of 3-10 years in a Nevada penitentiary.
He was charged with DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter following a fatal crash in 2021 that took the life of Tina Tintor and her dog.
Ruggs’ former head coach, Nick Saban, addressed the incident at a prayer breakfast, criticizing Ruggs’ friends for not preventing him from driving that night.
Saban emphasized the importance of doing the right thing and having the courage to take action.
NEWS: Legendary coach Nick Saban says Henry Ruggs FRIENDS FAILED HIM on the night of his fatal DUI crash.
“While he was drinking, and he had friends that could’ve told him, ‘You shouldn’t be driving; I’m not going to let you drive.” pic.twitter.com/xPTZDa1kEq
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 3, 2024
Ruggs, who had a successful college career at Alabama from 2017 to 2019, was drafted as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
He signed a lucrative contract with a $9.685 million signing bonus, but he is currently earning $2.50 an hour while serving his sentence at Stewart Conservation Camp.
The police reported that Ruggs was intoxicated and speeding at approximately 156 mph before crashing into Tintor’s vehicle.
He attempted to stop but lost control, colliding with her at 127 mph. Both Tintor and her dog died in the ensuing fire.
Saban referred to Ruggs’ accident as an example of people failing to do the right thing due to fear of judgment.
He stressed the importance of having faith and the courage to guide others towards making better choices.
Saban described his own faith as integral to making difficult decisions and standing up for what is right.
Ruggs had a successful career at Alabama, accumulating 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns.
He was ranked third on the program’s all-time touchdown receptions leaderboard before leaving for the NFL.
During his appearance at the Irondale Mayor’s prayer breakfast, Saban discussed the impact of faith on his coaching career.
He mentioned Ruggs’ accident as an illustration of the need for faith and the courage to influence others positively.
Saban emphasized the role of prayer in his life, particularly in maintaining composure and avoiding anger and emotion.
He believes that being a good teacher is crucial for inspiring learning and helping others succeed.
Saban used Ruggs’ incident as a lesson about doing the right thing, having faith, and being a positive influence on others.
Fans reacted as follows:
Once a raider always a raider. Wish it never happen
— Jagger Drury (@JaggerCDrury) May 3, 2024
Nobody is responsible for my actions except me. Friends or not,we all make mistakes but mistakes are meant to be learned from. I’m not gonna put the blame on my friends for a decision I made. Tf
— Wallup (@RunThat08) May 4, 2024
He failed himself…
— JD🤘🏾 (@_ChasinChecks) May 3, 2024
His daughter’s mother failed him because she has a child with Henry and didn’t take his car keys. She got in the car with him after she knew he wasn’t in the right mental state to drive.
— Brandon Pipkin (@pipkin_brandon) May 4, 2024
His friends should’ve stepped in, but he needs to be held accountable and he is.
Both things are true.
— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (𝙋𝙂) (@verysadvikings) May 3, 2024
I'm sure Ruggs paid for every1. No one was gonna tell him no… They all enabled it. Just like Rashid Rice. Every1 of his dbag friends enabled it. SAD.
— aznnorth (@aznnorth) May 3, 2024
I do agree that his friends should’ve stepped in but he still made that decision to drive and it sadly ended a life and ruined his.
— . (@LongGonee_) May 3, 2024
Dude is a multi millionaire…well, was. Get an Uber. Not to mention, don’t the NFLPA provide ride share for the nfl players?
— JJ^2 (@nikngn) May 4, 2024
Saban said this in Feb 2022. Having a tough day coming up with new tweets to flame??
— Fax Teller (@zimreapers) May 4, 2024
At the end of the day your responsible for your own actions, period
— gatuars95 (@gatuars95) May 3, 2024
Why it’s important to pick your friends wisely. A lesson now learned the hard way are the worst
— John Hurley (@pvthurley) May 4, 2024
I mean they definitely did fail him in that aspect. But at what age are we grown men accountable for our own actions? Actions especially fatal ones have to have consequences. It’s sad, but it’s sad for the victim who lost her life as well.
— josh eastes (@josh_eastes) May 3, 2024
Way to take all the responsibility away from Henry Ruggs. Nobody forced him to get behind the wheel and Drive.
— Sparky talks NFL (@SparkysSportst1) May 3, 2024
NO, he failed himself coach he didn’t respect your teachings
— Shello81 (@Shello281) May 4, 2024
