The 2024 NFL Draft was an eventful time for every team, including the Las Vegas Raiders, who experienced a significant misstep on social media during the third day of the draft.
The Raiders faced a backlash after posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) that read “speed kills” following their selection of cornerback Decameron Richardson, a former Mississippi State and Ole Miss player known for his speed, with the 112th overall pick.
Richardson clocked a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, which likely inspired the controversial post. However, given the team’s history, the phrase was deemed insensitive and was quickly removed.
RELATED: Henry Ruggs Reportedly Spent Month In Mental Health Facility For PTSD After Fatal Crash
This lapse in judgment harkened back to a tragic event involving former Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs. Drafted 12th overall by the Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs had a promising start to his career. However, his trajectory was abruptly halted by a fatal decision in 2021, when he was involved in a high-speed crash that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. Ruggs, found to have a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit and driving at a staggering 156 miles per hour at the time of the accident, was subsequently tried and convicted. He is currently serving a 3 to 10-year sentence in a Nevada prison camp.
This incident not only ended a promising career but also took the lives of an innocent woman and her pet, leaving a permanent mark on their families and the community.
The poorly timed post serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of Ruggs’ actions and underscores the importance of sensitivity in communications. It is a poignant lesson for the Raiders and hopefully serves as a reminder of the responsibility they carry in their public messaging.
