LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas Raiders coaches and players are reacting to the news of a deadly crash involving former teammate Henry Ruggs III.
Ruggs is accused of drinking and driving at more than 150 miles per hour before hitting another car and killing the young woman driving it.
RELATED: Henry Ruggs III driving 156 mph before deadly Las Vegas crash, report says
The team held a press conference at Raiders headquarters in Henderson on Wednesday and met late last night through Zoom to discuss the car crash.
With practice resuming today, it was the first time they were able to meet in person about it.
Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia had an emotional opening statement, saying the Raiders love Ruggs and also making note of the gravity of the situation.
RELATED: Henry Ruggs III to face charges in deadly DUI crash
Bisaccia say that Ruggs made a bad decision and it has now altered his life. He also says there's no handbook for dealing with these kinds of things and the raiders are focused on leaning upon each other.
His full opening remarks were as follows:
First of all, we want to express our sincere condolences to the victim’s family. A person lost their life yesterday morning and we think it’s important to keep the focus on that as we talk about this tragic event. We’re deeply saddened for everyone affected, especially the victim’s family. That being said, we love Henry Ruggs and want him to know that. It’s a terrible lapse in judgment of the most horrific kind, it’s something that he will have to live with the rest of his life. The gravity of the situation is not lost on anyone here and we understand and respect the loss of life.
Watch Rich Bisaccia's full remarks below.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had some emotional remarks to share as well.
"My emotions have been on a roller coaster, in sort of speak, this year," Carr said. "My heart goes out so much because I've already been so emotional about it all, but it goes out to the family and to all of the families involved."
"I walked by and saw Henry's locker today, and for whatever reason, that got me," said Carr. "He's not going to be there. Not because he's fast. Not because of what he could do for me, but because of the person he is, and I love him."
Carr recalled a text message he received from Ruggs during the night leading to the crash.
"He literally texted me at midnight a golf swing to me and Hunter. 'How's my swing look? You guys need to help me.' Just getting that and seeing the news when we woke up, I just don't know how I'm supposed to handle that. I'm doing my best, but I do know that God is good and I'm going to believe that."
Watch Derek Carr's full remarks below.
Raiders are no strangers to dealing with adversity as they did have to navigate through Jon Gruden resigning last month.
Las Vegas will travel to new jersey this week to take on the New York Giants for Week 9 of the NFL season.
