The Oakland Police Department said former All-Pro running back Doug Martin reportedly died in custody during an early morning home invasion Saturday that will be investigated by multiple agencies under state law.
Martin, 36, lost consciousness and later died at a hospital after being arrested by Oakland police after responding to a report of a burglary at a home two blocks from the Oakland Zoo.
In addition to the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, the department’s Homicide Division and Internal Affairs Bureau will investigate the case, a statement from the police department said.
“The Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency. However, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, the release of information must be limited at this time,” the statement read. “We will share additional details as soon as the investigative process allows and compliance with the law is warranted.”
State law requires law enforcement agencies to report any death in their custody to the attorney general within 10 days.
Oakland police told KTVU-TV that the department received reports of a break-in around the same time and that a person “suffered a medical emergency” at the same location.
“Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence,” the department said. “While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle occurred. Once taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.”
The officers involved have been suspended.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) carries the ball during a game against the Denver Broncos on December 24, 2018 in Oakland.
(John Hefty/AP)
Martin’s last of seven seasons in the NFL was in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders. The 5-foot-9, 220-pound running back was nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” because of his short but powerful frame. He spent six years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed him in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft out of Boise State.
In 2012, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, the third-highest rushing total by a rookie in NFL history. In 2015, he rushed for more than 1,400 yards, was selected as an All-Pro, and the Buccaneers signed him to a five-year, $35.75 million contract extension.
However, in December 2016, he was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He entered a treatment facility after testing positive for Adderall but did not receive his $15 million bond.
Martin missed one game in 2017 – his final season in Tampa Bay – due to a concussion he suffered in the Buccaneers’ opener against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he returned with the ball seven times before being substituted late in the first half. Martin missed the next game and played sparingly throughout the rest of the season.
Martin, who was born in Oakland and attended high school in Stockton, signed a one-year contract with the Raiders in 2018 and rushed for 723 yards before retiring due to injury.
Martin’s family released a statement Sunday describing the cause of his death.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” his family said. “The cause of death has not been confirmed at this time. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
The Buccaneers paid tribute to Martin on social media: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. From his record-setting rookie season to multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons with the Buccaneers, Doug had a lasting impact on our franchise.”
