While i understand your sentiment, its just not that simple to make comparisons like this.
First off, Ruggs is fully capable of affording a host of services to transport him in any situation. Second, his "career" comes with certain responsibilities. Now, an argument could be made regarding a 23 yr old shouldering those responsibilities, but thats a different argument for a different day.
So yeah its a mistake. A huge mistake that, as you said, will affect him til he dies. The point most are making here is that he had a choice. He made it and now suffers the consequences not only financially and personally, but socially as well. There are PLENTY of folks here and elsewhere that have NEVER driven drunk.
At this point, if im one of 32 NFL teams, I give every player, from rookie to 15 year vet a card. A card that has a preferred method of conveyance ( lyft/uber etc ) and install on phone and USE IT. Shoot, we will foot the bill and you pay us back.