Oakland Police Department (OPD) officials have identified the man who died in police custody on Saturday as former NFL running back Martin Doug. Martin was 36 years old.
In a statement on Monday, police confirmed that Martin died shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday after being reported to have broken into a home on Ettrick Street.
According to police, Martin was involved in the break-in. When officers attempted to take him into custody, a brief struggle ensued.
Martin became unresponsive after being taken into custody, police said. Paramedics arrived at the scene and administered first aid. Martin was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
On behalf of Doug Martin’s family, Athletes First and CEO Brian Murphy said in a statement that Martin’s parents had actually called local authorities for medical assistance for Martin.
Murphy explained: “Following recent media reports, the family would like to clarify the circumstances. Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical attention for him and had contacted local authorities for assistance. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighboring residence, where police took him into custody. An investigation into what happened while he was being taken into custody is ongoing.”
Oakland police said they have been in contact with Martin’s family since Saturday and the family has requested privacy in light of this tragic loss.
Martin, born in Oakland, grew up at Saint Mary’s High School in Stockton. After a stellar performance at Boise State, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 31st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Martin played five seasons in the NFL with Tampa Bay and was named to the Pro Bowl twice. He finished his professional career with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018.
“From his record-breaking rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections over his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug left a lasting impact on our franchise,” Tampa Bay said in a statement, adding that he was named one of the top 50 Buccaneers of all time.
Police said the officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The incident is being investigated jointly by the Oakland Police Department’s homicide unit and internal affairs, the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
