Nick Saban comments on additional charges facing Henry Ruggs III

Alabama head coach Nick Saban commented on the ongoing legal issues facing his former player Henry Ruggs III after his involvement in a deadly accident. Saban spoke about how Ruggs conducted himself at Alabama and his behavior as a member of the Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban on Henry Ruggs

“First of all, we have a tremendous amount of compassion for all the victims in this tragic affair, the families of the people who were affected, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” began Saban. “This was a little bit sort of, for me, knowing Henry Ruggs as a player here who never had any issues, was a first-class citizen, was a guy that did everything right. I don’t think he was ever in my office once for having an issue or a problem, whether it was in school, as a person off the field or as a player.

“So I hate it for him, but we’re also very sensitive to the decision that he made and the catastrophic consequence to other folks that it created and what it’s gonna create for him and his future, as well.”

Former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III was formally charged for five counts in the DUI crash that killed a 23-year-old woman and her dog.

Ruggs faces two felony counts of DUI causing death/substantial bodily harm, two felony counts of reckless driving resulting in death/substantial bodily harm, and a misdemeanor for possession of a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The additional counts added are for Ruggs’ girlfriend who was injured in the crash.

If the court finds Ruggs guilty of all the charges, he faces up to 50 years in prison.

Additional details on Ruggs’ charges

According to the official report, Ruggs was driving 156 miles per hour through a suburban area, miles away from the Las Vegas strip. His speedometer read 127 mph when airbags deployed. In addition, Ruggs blood alcohol level read .161, more than twice the legal limit. Police also found a loaded gun inside the car.

Ruggs and his passenger, now identified as Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, went to the hospital with unspecified injuries.

According to law enforcement, the two-car accident happened around 3:39 a.m. PT. The initial investigation shows Ruggs was driving a Chevrolet Corvette and hit the back of a Toyota Rav4. Officers found the Toyota on fire with a deceased victim, Tina Tintor, inside.

“The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 22-year-old Henry Ruggs III, remained on scene and showed signs of impairment,” Akers added on the DUI charges. “He was transported to UMC hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.”

Ruggs, 22, has previously discussed how his high school best friend Roderic Scott inspired him to play high school football. Scott died in a car accident when he was 17. Ruggs honored his friend with a three-finger salute every time he scored a touchdown.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this article.