Family of Former NFL Running Back Doug Martin Alleges Excessive Force by Oakland Police Contributed to His Death

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin allege that excessive force used by police and a delay in medical care caused their son’s death last year, according to a wrongful‑death lawsuit filed against the city of Oakland, its police department and an ambulance contractor.

Filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the suit claims the 36‑year‑old died from restraint asphyxia inflicted by Oakland officers and from the delayed response of FALCK NORCAL paramedics after police requested medical help.

Martin’s parents, Leslie and Douglas, said their son was experiencing a mental‑health crisis on October 18. Leslie contacted paramedics while Martin fled to a neighbor’s home to hide. An Oakland police officer located him in the basement, the lawsuit states.

According to the complaint, officers restrained Martin face‑down, with one or more pressing on his back. They subsequently turned him onto his side, after which he became unresponsive. The lawsuit alleges the officers believed he was merely sleeping or feigning unconsciousness until a medic was summoned after Martin remained unresponsive.

Paramedics arrived more than 15 minutes after the call was placed, and Martin did not receive timely medical attention, the lawsuit contends.

Martin was born in Oakland and concluded his NFL career with the Raiders. He grew up in Stockton, where he starred in high‑school football, earned first‑team All‑Mountain West honors at Boise State, and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Over seven NFL seasons, Martin accumulated 5,536 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, mainly with Tampa Bay. In 2015 he earned first‑team All‑Pro recognition after posting the league’s second‑highest rushing total of 1,402 yards.

Source link