Derek Carr comments on Henry Ruggs III arrest, release from Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr commented to the media about the arrest and release of teammate Henry Ruggs III, and how he learned the news. The Raiders selected Ruggs with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Carr has been the only quarterback Ruggs has played with in the NFL.
The young former Raiders’ star receiver was involved in a car accident that resulted in a death and was arrested on DUI charges.
Carr on Henry Ruggs III’s arrest
“My emotions have been on a roller coaster, so to speak, this year,” stated Carr in a press appearance. “My heart goes out so much — try and say it with a straight face because I’ve already been emotional about every bit of this. But to the family — all the families involved — no one ever wants to see this, whether it’s a football player or not. You never want to see something like this happen.
“It broke my wife and I’s heart, honestly.”
Carr expanded on the story with how it directly impacted him as a teammate, and how he was shocked to learn the news the following morning.
“When it comes to this situation, there’s so many things out of our control but then I do sit back and I think — was there something — did I not let him know that I’d be there for him at 3AM? I really look at everything in my life as a learning experience, could I have been better to help or something?
“I just wish I could have done something. I look at it that way. Even when it seems impossible, was there any little thing I could have done better?
“I walked by and I saw Henry’s locker today and for whatever reason that got me,” stated Carr. “Like he’s not gonna be there. Not because he’s fast. Not because of what he could do for me. But because of the person he is and because I love him.
“He literally text me at midnight, [about his] golf swing, me and Hunter [Renfrow]. ‘How’s my swing look? You guys need to help me.’ And just seeing that and then getting the news when we woke up, I just — I don’t even know how am I supposed to handle that? How am I supposed to react?”
Nick Saban on Ruggs’ arrest
Alabama head coach Nick Saban commented on the arrest of his former star wide receiver as well on Wednesday.
“Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to all involved in this tragic situation, especially the victims,” stated Saban in his Wednesday press conference. “Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with them. But our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Henry, his family.
“This is something a lot of folks can learn from. A lot of players on our team. When we say challenge people to make good choices and decisions, do the right thing. Because sometimes the consequences can be devastating.
“And these consequences are probably going to be pretty devastating to Henry. We love him. We’re going to support him through it. But we also have a lot of compassion for the victims and our thoughts and prayers are also with them.”