Raiders release Henry Ruggs III following DUI charge for fatal crash

A sad and shocking day concluded with Henry Ruggs III’s career with the Las Vegas Raiders ending abruptly after 23 games with the organization.

Seventeen hours after a fatal car crash for which Ruggs has been charged with DUI resulting in death, the Las Vegas Raiders released the wide receiver in a Tuesday night announcement by the team.

It’s difficult to describe the move as surprising, but the decision to release Ruggs — who was drafted with the No. 12 overall pick in 2020 to be a centerpiece of a Raiders’ rebuild — was obviously made quickly by the Raiders’ brass. Clearly, after information was gathered on the crash, the Raiders they had no choice.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has charged Ruggs with multiple crimes after he was alleged to be driving drunk, causing a crash at 3:39 a.m. on Tuesday. A 23-year-old woman died in the crash after Ruggs’ car allegedly hit her Toyota RAV4. Ruggs’ girlfriend, a passenger in his car, also suffered serious injuries, police said.

Ruggs, 22, is currently jailed in Las Vegas after being released from a hospital Tuesday afternoon having been treated for non-life threatening injuries. If convicted, he will have to serve a mandatory term in Nevada state prison.

Ruggs struggled as a rookie with the Raiders but made strides this season. In total, Ruggs leaves the Raiders with 50 career catches for 921 yards.