Former NFL star Doug Martin died while in Oakland police custody
The in-custody death of former All-Pro running back Doug Martin during a reported burglary early Saturday morning will be investigated by various agencies in accordance with state laws, Oakland police said.
Martin, 36, died at a hospital after becoming unresponsive following his arrest by Oakland police officers in response to reports of a break-in at a residence about two blocks from the Oakland Zoo.
A statement released by the Police Department said the case will be investigated by the department’s Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau, in addition to the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Policing Oversight Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
“The Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency. However, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, release of information must be limited at this time,” the statement said. “Additional details will be shared as soon as the investigative process allows and in accordance with the law.”
State law requires law enforcement to report to the attorney general within 10 days any case in which a person dies in their custody.
The police department received near simultaneous reports of the break-in and a person “in a medical emergency” at the same location, Oakland police told KTVU-TV.
“Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence,” the department said. “As we attempted to arrest the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.”
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) carries the ball during a game against the Denver Broncos in Oakland on December 24, 2018.
(John Hefti/Associated Press)
The last of Martin’s seven NFL seasons was with the Oakland Raiders in 2018. The 5-foot-9, 220-pound running back nicknamed the Muscle Hamster for his short, powerful build played six years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who acquired him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Boise State.
Martin had 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012, the third-highest totals by a rookie in NFL history. He also rushed for over 1,400 yards in 2015 when he was named an All-Pro, and the Buccaneers signed him to a five-year contract extension worth $35.75 million.
However, he was suspended four games in December 2016 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He entered a treatment center after testing positive for Adderall and did not receive $15 million in guaranteed money.
Martin left a game in 2017 – his final season in Tampa Bay – due to a concussion suffered in the Buccaneers’ opener against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he came back carrying the ball seven times before being replaced at the end of the first half. Martin missed the next game and played sparingly the rest of the season.
Martin, who was born in Oakland and attended high school in Stockton, signed a one-year deal in 2018 with the Raiders and rushed for 723 yards before retiring due to injuries.
Martin’s family released a statement Sunday regarding his death.
“It is with great sadness to inform you that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” his family said. “The cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
The Buccaneers posted a tribute to Martin on social media: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. From his record-breaking rookie season to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug had a lasting impact on our franchise.”
