Henry Ruggs III, a former wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, made his first public apology on Wednesday for the drunk driving crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog in 2021, according to CNN. Ruggs spoke at a Nevada parole hearing that was streamed online and said he was sorry for what he did that got him sent to prison.

Ruggs said during the hearing, "I want everyone to know that I am truly sorry for what I did that led to this tragedy. I have no excuse, and I am fully responsible for what I did that day."

The 26-year-old former athlete appeared via video link from the Stewart Conservation Camp, a low-security prison where he is serving a 3-to-10-year sentence.

On November 2, 2021, Ruggs' Corvette, which police say was going 156 mph, hit Tintor's car from behind in Las Vegas. Court records showed that Ruggs's blood alcohol level was 0.16%, which is twice the legal limit in Nevada. In May 2023, he admitted to felony DUI that led to death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Ruggs spoke directly to Tintor's family during the emotional hearing, saying, "To the Tintor family, I can't imagine your pain, and I pray you find peace." 

The former first-round draft pick's NFL career ended with the incident, and he has reportedly been going to alcohol treatment programs while in jail.

The Nevada Parole Board will decide within three weeks whether to let Ruggs out of prison early after he has served about three and a half years of his sentence. He can be considered for parole after serving the minimum time of his sentence, according to state law.