Report: Former Raiders star Henry Ruggs' lawyers blocking crucial blood evidence from fatal Vegas car crash
Henry Ruggs was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round of the 2020 draft out of Alabama. In 20 career starts in the NFL, the young wide receiver recorded 50 receptions for over 920 yards and four touchdowns.
He showed promise in a Raiders offense that was poised to give the Kansas City Chiefs trouble in the AFC West.
In a season full of ups, downs and unpredictability, you were a constant.
Thank you, #RaiderNation 🖤🤍 https://t.co/88YuYkAHUG
Then, on one fateful November night, Ruggs got behind the wheel of a car while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. At a speed exceeding 150 miles per hour, Ruggs hit another vehicle, taking the life of a young woman and her dog.
According to Sports Illustrated, lawyers for the former wide receiver are asking a judge to dismiss evidence that proves his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.
“True probable cause did not exist. The mere fact of Mr. Ruggs’ involvement in a fatal vehicle collision does not, in itself, give rise to probable cause to believe he was driving under the influence of alcohol,” the lawyers said in a filing.
The defense team said police didn’t have a valid reason to ask a judge for a warrant to test Ruggs’ blood alcohol level. The filing delayed a preliminary hearing for evidence. According to the defense, no tests were performed at the scene of the incident and that one was only done after Ruggs was hospitalized.
This is one of the many ways Henry Ruggs’ lawyers are attempting to get the case thrown out. Another claim steers blame towards the local fire department.
Should Ruggs be found guilty of the charges, which also includes misdemeanor gun possession, he could face up to 50 years in prison.
Henry Ruggs' incident was part of a rough season for the Las Vegas Raiders
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Tne Raiders released Henry Ruggs hours after the accident, which took place just weeks after former head coach Jon Gruden was asked to resign following an investigation into the Washington Football Team for workplace misconduct.
This investigation uncovered Gruden's emails containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic slurs.
The Raiders have since roped in former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel as their new head coach and they also have a new pass catcher in Davante Adams.
They will now be hoping to right the ship after a rocky 2021 season.