DUI Manslaughter Charges Against Former Raider Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III
Attorney Christopher Lyons, Of Counsel at Mase Seitz Briggs, recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio with Lance Medow to discuss the ongoing matter involving NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders), who has been charged with a DUI manslaughter.You can hear the entire SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio with Lance Medow interview here:
Fatal Drunk Driving Accident
On November 2, 2021, at approximately 3:30 am, law enforcement received reports of a collision involving two vehicles. When Las Vegas police arrived, they found a Toyota Rav4 engulfed in flames. The 23-year-old driver Tina O. Tintor and her dog were killed as a result of the crash.
As reported by NPR, former Las Vegas Raider wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was behind the wheel of the other vehicle driving over 150 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Rav4. According to prosecutors, Ruggs had a blood-alcohol content twice the legal limit in Nevada. There are also reports indicating that he was not cooperative at the scene.
On November 3, he was charged with multiple felonies, including DUI causing death or substantial harm. The 22-year-old first-round pick is currently released on house arrest awaiting a December hearing on the matter.
Attorney Lyons Offers Legal Insight
Attorney Christopher Lyons recently spoke with SiriusXM Sports radio host Lance Medow about the DUI case. Mr. Lyons offers unparalleled legal insight into the matter, having represented former NFL wide receiver Donté Stallworth in a similar incident in 2009. Stallworth was charged with DUI manslaughter after reportedly hitting a pedestrian while driving with alcohol in his system.
When asked about the situation with Ruggs, Mr. Lyons noted, “it’s a horrible situation, and he needs to focus on his life and this legal proceeding and not worry about football right now. Football is secondary.”
As indicated in the interview, Lyons recommends accepting responsibility early and showing genuine remorse. If he was the attorney for Ruggs, he would be “reaching out to the victim’s family, there are legal ways that you can express remorse without admitting liability.”
Moving Forward After Tragedy
After a suspension, Stallworth was able to move forward in a positive way by taking responsibility and doing the right thing. “He went out into the community, and he spoke at high schools. He joined Mothers Against Drunk Drivers national chapter,” said Lyons.
He also worked closely with the commissioner to help young players understand the dangers of drinking and driving. To this day, he still speaks to rookies and continues his community outreach. Early on, he took full responsibility for the accident, cooperated with the police, and immediately moved to do the right thing.
Right now, for Ruggs, Lyons suggests focusing on moving forward. He should “worry about football in the future.” As for consequences, he is potentially facing various civil lawsuits and over 20 years in prison if convicted on criminal charges.
Final Thoughts
Attorney Lyons said it best, “The consequences of that tragic accident on that early Tuesday morning hours has impacted so many lives.” It is widespread and will likely last for decades.
Contact Mase Seitz Briggs
Mr. Lyons represents individuals in civil and criminal matters with a focus on sports and entertainment law. With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully tried over 100 jury trials. He is Of Counsel with Mase Seitz Briggs and practices in the Miami area and, along with our other attorneys, has represented victims of fatal car accidents.
If you need legal assistance, contact Mase Seitz Briggs at (844) 627-3529 today to speak with an experienced member of our team. Our attorneys are nationally-recognized, award-winning trial lawyers handling matters in Miami and throughout Florida.