Would you sign Henry Ruggs?

[McKDaddy]

as long as he is remorseful and fully understands the depth of his actions

agreed. If he's sincere, then I hope he can make something of his life. As a football team, I would at least give him an opportunity. If he can't do it on the field maybe he will find another path.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

Yes, I would.......he's paid his debt. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance.

Risk vs reward comes into play. People make mistakes of course and with sincere contrition deserve to be forgiven but that history comes with a price. The NFL is often very sensitive to the media and public opinion.

 

[McKDaddy]

From what I heard about him before the incident, I think the only thing that would have ever gotten thru to him was a horrible situation like this. I think he would have blown off all the talk in the world or less serious accidents.

Terrible some folks can't grasp consequences til it's too late.

 

[thunderpimp91]

I think he should stay in prison.

Sick individuals. Glad TDs matter more than gross decisions.

I sincerely hope you guys are never judged as harshly as you judge others.

 

[SoupcanSam]

Yes, I would.......he's paid his debt. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance.

While I agree some people deserve a 2nd chance, a debt paid is never enough when a life of a loved one is lost to another. Not even when the one who caused the death is doing life in some cases.

 

[aikemirv]

Yes, I would.......he's paid his debt. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance.

Have you really paid your debt for killing someone in 4 years? I would say no.

 

[DallasEast]

The hypothetical signing discussion has expanded. There were players who had/were:

• declared for the draft
• undrafted
• drafted
• restricted free agents
• unrestricted free agents
• playing in other professional football leagues
• played in non-professional football leagues (i.e. Drew Henson)
• on the street
• sitting on their sofa

Add 'currently unavailable pending future unconfirmed parole'.

 

[Aliencowboy]

Yes, I would.......he's paid his debt. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance.

He will absolutely get a chance in the NFL. There have been much worse cases.

 

[eromeopolk]

Yes, I would.......he's paid his debt. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance.

Yes. If he runs a 4.3 out of prison being from a college Natty team like Alabama, I do it without a thought. Debt paid, go play.
.

 

[BoyzBlaster]

What a travesty he should be locked up a lot longer than that. I can imagine how the family of the victim must feel.

 

[beware_d-ware]

From what I heard about him before the incident, I think the only thing that would have ever gotten thru to him was a horrible situation like this. I think he would have blown off all the talk in the world or less serious accidents.

Terrible some folks can't grasp consequences til it's too late.

He used to do a "3" touchdown celebration, in honor of his high school friend that was killed in a drunk driving accident. Guess he never took that to heart.

 

[fivetwos]

The hypothetical signing discussion has expanded. There were players who had/were:

• declared for the draft
• undrafted
• drafted
• restricted free agents
• unrestricted free agents
• playing in other professional football leagues
• played in non-professional football leagues (i.e. Drew Henson)
• on the street
• sitting on their sofa

Add 'currently unavailable pending future unconfirmed parole'.

I hear the Dallas Cowboys are currently looking for defensive tackles in any of the last three categories.

If they will play for what Stephen Jones deems their value to be that is.

 

[AbeBeta]

I think he will be a free agent

Yes. He was released by the Raiders.

 

[Redsfan_83]

I do wonder what Shadeur thinks about the Brownies pursuing him? Oh, that's right......these guys are so stupid it's almost hard to believe

 

[ShortRound]

I sincerely hope you guys are never judged as harshly as you judge others.

Harshly judge? The woman burned to death.

https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/ame...h/news-story/ec0a65160f703189ea7d9df565eb48e8

 

[Creeper]

I would certainly have him in for a look-see. I'd hear him out and see what frame of mind he is in. He made a tragic mistake and he paid his dues. If he truly feels remorse then I would be willing to talk to him. I don't know that he was that good before he had the accident, but never hurts to give someone a look.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Harshly judge? The woman burned to death.

https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/ame...h/news-story/ec0a65160f703189ea7d9df565eb48e8

I never said it was not a horrific thing that happened. I'm simply suggesting people ask how easily could that have been them. I certainly made poor decisions at 21/22 years old and got behind the wheel of a car when I shouldn't have a time or two. I'm pretty confident I'm not alone there either. "Luckily" for me I didn't have $20M in contract money, a Corvette to show off in, and the superior level of invincibility these young athletes often have.

I'm certainly not a better man that Henry Ruggs, just a more fortunate man who never got in a wreck during my poor decisions. For that reason I'll let the legal system judge him. I wont.

 

[fivetwos]

If the victim’s family gives their blessing for him to return, no one should argue. If they do not, then it’s a debate.

It’s possible they have a civil judgment on him that they will not be able to collect on if he isn’t able to return to his profession. Don’t get me wrong, money will not return the victim or ever make it right, but it could help the family in a big way. Maybe they’d rather see him continue to pay by being banned and I couldn’t argue against that. I have no idea who the victim was or their situation, but yeah it could also be tough for them to watch him be an NFL star and in the spotlight…should that happen.

Neither side of this is definitively right or wrong, but I think my first paragraph is on point.

 

[NotaCowboysFan]

I never said it was not a horrific thing that happened. I'm simply suggesting people ask how easily could that have been them. I certainly made poor decisions at 21/22 years old and got behind the wheel of a car when I shouldn't have a time or two. I'm pretty confident I'm not alone there either. "Luckily" for me I didn't have $20M in contract money, a Corvette to show off in, and the superior level of invincibility these young athletes often have.

I'm certainly not a better man that Henry Ruggs, just a more fortunate man who never got in a wreck during my poor decisions. For that reason I'll let the legal system judge him. I wont.

Brother making bad decisions is separate from the results of those decisions. He could have done 4 years for his decision to commit those acts, not even the end result and loss of life.

We've all made dumb decisions growing up and if you are fortunate enough to not get caught consider yourself lucky, but laws are there to be enforced and be used as a DETERRENT.

People saying he's paid his due and he's only 26 is mind boggling to me. It's not even about him but being a public figure and influence, kids are gonna see a pro athlete do everything wrong in a car and the worst possible outcome leads to 4 years in prison?

He relinquished his rights with those decisions after he took her life, he's the last person anyone should care about and if, given enough time her family decided to forgive then and only then you should turn your attention to him and what future he may have left.

 

[Whiskey Cowboy]

One year prove it deal, minimal guaranteed. Sure, he has done his time. Wouldn't be much risk involved and the ceiling is high.