Lawsuit Alleges Excessive Force in Death of Former NFL Player Doug Martin

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday alleging that Oakland police officers used excessive force and that paramedics delayed care, leading to their son's death last October. Leslie and Douglas Martin say their 36-year-old son was experiencing a mental health crisis when officers found him hiding in a neighbor's home and held him face down with pressure applied to his back.

The complaint states this restraint was a substantial factor in his death.

Background on the Incident Police responded after the family called for medical help. Officers reported a brief struggle during an attempted detention related to a break-in, after which Martin became unresponsive. The lawsuit claims officers initially believed Martin was sleeping or pretending to be unresponsive and only requested medical assistance after he remained that way.

Paramedics from Falck USA and its subsidiary took more than 15 minutes to arrive and did not promptly provide care, according to the complaint.

The Oakland Police Department said it does not comment on pending litigation and referred questions to the city attorney's office, which declined comment. The department stated the investigation into Martin's death remains ongoing. The Alameda County Coroner's Office said it is still awaiting autopsy results after the family requested additional testing.

Martin was selected 31st overall in the 2012 NFL draft out of Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2015.