Raiders release WR Henry Ruggs III following DUI that caused fatal crash

Late Tuesday night, the Raiders released WR Henry Ruggs III following a day that included Ruggs III being charged with DUI resulting in death.

According to Las Vegas police, Ruggs III was driving at high speeds early Tuesday morning when his Chevrolet Corvette slammed into the back of a Toyota Rav4. The driver of the Rav4 was killed. Ruggs III and one passenger both sustained injuries in the crash.

Ruggs III was released from a hospital and taken to a Las Vegas jail to await an initial court appearance for at least two felony charges.

Earlier in the day, the Raiders released the following statement about the situation:

“The Raiders are aware of an accident involving Henry Ruggs III that occurred this morning in Las Vegas. We are devastated by the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family. We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time.”

Ruggs III was the 12th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama and was notably the first wide receiver selected in his draft class. He caught 26 passes for 452 yards and 2 touchdowns as a rookie. Through seven games in 2021, Ruggs III had caught 24 passes for 469 yards and 2 touchdowns.