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Former All-Pro running back Doug Martin’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Oakland, several police officers and an ambulance company, alleging excessive force and delayed medical treatment contributed to the former NFL star’s death last year.
According to the federal lawsuit filed Tuesday, Leslie and Douglas Martin claim their son was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when responding Oakland police officers restrained him face down while one or more officers pressed on his back. The complaint alleges that restraint was a “substantial factor” in causing Martin’s death.
Martin, 36, spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one with the then-Oakland Raiders after the Buccaneers selected him 31st overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. A two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2015, Martin earned recognition last August as one of the Buccaneers’ 50 greatest players during the franchise’s anniversary celebration.
Lawsuit Alleges Delayed Medical Care and Restraint
The lawsuit states that Martin’s mother initially called for medical assistance because she believed her son was experiencing a mental health emergency. Officers later found Martin inside a neighbor’s home after responding to both the welfare call and reports of a break-in.
The complaint alleges Martin became unresponsive after officers restrained him face down following a brief struggle. According to the filing, officers initially believed he was “sleeping or pretending to be” before requesting medical assistance when he failed to respond.
The lawsuit also names Falck USA Inc. and Falck Northern California Corp., alleging paramedics took more than 15 minutes to arrive and failed to provide prompt medical treatment after reaching the scene.
Attorney John Burris, who represents Martin’s family, said an independent pathologist has tentatively concluded Martin died from restraint asphyxiation. Burris also noted that Martin’s brain has been sent to Boston University for examination for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), though he emphasized any potential brain disease would not explain the circumstances surrounding his death.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Oakland police previously stated that Martin became unresponsive following a “brief struggle” while officers attempted to detain him in connection with a reported break-in. The department has declined to comment on the pending litigation, while the city attorney’s office also declined comment.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office said it is still awaiting additional testing before releasing Martin’s official autopsy results.
Martin enjoyed an outstanding NFL career after starring at Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie in 2012 before earning first-team All-Pro honors during his standout 2015 season. Over seven NFL seasons, Martin established himself as one of the league’s premier running backs before retiring following the 2018 campaign.
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