If there was a moment where Henry Ruggs needed family and friends to lean on, now is the time.
He has been in a nightmare since Tuesday morning. Ruggs was in a car accident that resulted in a 23-year-old woman dying.
More information came out in the situation in Las Vegas, including Ruggs’ blood alcohol levels over the limit. He got released by the Raiders, he’s been dropped from endorsement deals, and could be looking at a two to a 20-year prison sentence if convicted of DUI (resulting in death) and reckless driving.
Many people have spoken their piece on the situation, including Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Ruggs’ brother, Kevontae. Tua Tagovailoa, who came in Alabama’s 2017 freshmen class with Ruggs, was emotional in Wednesday’s press conference for the Dolphins. He and Ruggs won a national championship with the Tide in 2017.
“You never think this guy could hurt a soul,” Tagovailoa said of Ruggs. “I’m still in disbelief.”
Tagovailoa connected with Ruggs for the first touchdown pass in the second half of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Georgia. The second-year quarterback sent his condolences to all involved in the tragedy, but he remains close to Ruggs.
Both players were taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft at Nos. 5 and 12, respectively.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
