Las Vegas Raiders make surprise move with Henry Ruggs III

The Las Vegas Raiders have released former first-round draft pick Henry Ruggs III following DUI resulting in death charges stemming from a Tuesday crash. The former wide receiver faces multiple felony charges after being released from a hospital into jail.

ESPN reports that Ruggs and one passenger were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. However, one woman and her dog died inside the other vehicle. Probation is not an option for a conviction of DUI causing death, in Nevada. The charge carries a possible sentence between two and 20 years in prison. The possible sentence for reckless driving is between one and six years in prison, with probation possible.

Prior to his release, Henry Ruggs III had 24 receptions, 469 yards and two touchdowns this season for the Raiders. He has started all seven games Las Vegas has played this year and led the team in receiving yards.

More on Henry Ruggs III charges

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 inside.

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

The investigation is ongoing, and Ruggs’ attorney issued a statement regarding his client.

“On behalf of our client Henry Ruggs III we are conducting our own investigation as of this writing and ask everyone to reserve judgment until all the facts are gathered,” said Ruggs’ attorney, David Chesnoff.

The Raiders also released a statement Tuesday afternoon, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“The Raiders are aware of an accident involving Henry Ruggs III that occurred this morning in Las Vegas,” the statement reads. “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, 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. To this day, Ruggs honors his friend with a three-finger salute every time he scores a touchdown.