Early Tuesday morning, Raiders Wideout and budding star Henry Ruggs was involved in a fatal car accident killing one person in Las Vegas. While the Metro PD will launch an investigation, Ruggs will be charged with Driving Under the Influence Resulting in Death. As the details of this tragedy emerge, the legal ramifications will become clearer, but one thing is nearly certain, the 2021-22 NFL season for Henry Ruggs is more than likely over. The 22-year-old speedster is facing up to 25 years of jail time and fines of up to $5 million.
As the story continues to develop, I’m sure the talented lawyers here at Conduct Detrimental will investigate and report on all the possible outcomes and life altering decisions Ruggs will be facing in court in the months to come. One decision however, was the most life altering of them all. That decision was not made by a judge or jury. That is, of course, Ruggs’ decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence. Yes, this decision will certainly change Ruggs’ life and likely end his career, but the life of the victim and their loved ones is one that can never be repaired.
Too often in sports, we see cases of DUIs and DWIs where thankfully no one is harmed and there is thus zero penalty for these actions. It is those lack of consequences that lead directly to an outlook on driving under the influence that allowed the terrible and fatal tragedies of to take place early Tuesday morning. This is something that needs to change. We need to learn from a story like this and change the way DUIs are perceived by league and team officials.
I do believe that while Ruggs remains responsible for his actions, he is a young man who made a bad mistake, influenced by a society that has not taken these matters seriously enough. I do hope Henry can come through on the other side of this a better man. But we have to learn a lesson from this story.
Driving under any kind of influence kills. Do not drink and drive. My thoughts and prayers are with the Victim and their families.
Follow @rami_lavi on Twitter and @rami.lavi on IG.
コメント