Against All Odds, Henry Ruggs III Achieves Academic Success In Prison
Former Alabama and Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is serving time in a medium security prison in Nevada, but he did not allow his incarceration to keep him from earning his degree from the University of Alabama. Ruggs was one of some 2,200 graduates who received their degrees during fall commencement at UA this past Saturday.
Ruggs’ received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce and Business Administration with a 4.0 Grade Point Average. That earned him a spot on the President's List. The list recognizes exceptional academic performance by earning straight "As" during a semester. Those are accomplishments difficult enough to earn while going to classes and taking tests in person, much less online while behind bars.
The Montgomery native pleaded guilty to 'Driving under the Influence Resulting in Death' (a felony) and 'misdemeanour vehicular manslaughter' charges for a fatal 2021 crash on a city street in Las Vegas. Tina Tintor and her dog perished when Ruggs car struck hers at 156mph.
Las Vegas Police records indicate Ruggs' blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit (0.16%). He admitted he was so drunk that he didn't remember leaving the bar and getting into the car with his girlfriend.
The 26-year-old recently was in the news for an incident that prompted Nevada prison officials to remove Ruggs from trustee status in a minimum-security prison and transfer him to a higher, medium security facility.
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Ruggs played three years for legendary Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban (2017-2018) before declaring for the 2020 NFL draft. He was considered the fastest player on the team. During his time at Alabama, he recorded 1,716 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns on just 98 catches.
The now college graduate has expressed remorse for his actions and has also expressed hope of returning to football one day, should that opportunity ever present itself.
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