Doug Martin’s parents sue Oakland over his death alleging police force
The parents of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court this week against the city of Oakland, California, several Oakland police officers, and ambulance company Falck Northern California, alleging that excessive force and delayed medical care caused their son’s death last October. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the complaint was filed Tuesday by Leslie and Douglas Martin Sr.
Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October 2025 when his mother called 911 out of concern for his well-being.
According to the lawsuit, as reported by ESPN, responding Oakland officers found Martin hiding in a neighbor’s home. After a brief struggle, officers physically restrained him face down while one or more pressed on his back.
He later became unresponsive. The lawsuit alleges officers initially believed he was “sleeping or pretending to be” and did not request medical assistance until he remained non-responsive.
The complaint also alleges that Falck Northern California paramedics took more than 15 minutes to respond to the call and did not promptly provide care after arriving.
Martin’s family attorney says a pathologist found restrained asphyxia
Martin family attorney John Burris told the San Francisco Chronicle that an independent pathologist has concluded Martin likely died from “restrained asphyxia,” based on the officers’ alleged positioning. “The family is very much interested in finding out what happened to their son,” Burris said. “Unfortunately the litigation is a mechanism to best get that done.”
The parents of former All-Pro NFL RB Doug Martin say excessive force by police and delayed medical care led to his death last year, according to a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, California, several police officers and an ambulance company.…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 25, 2026
The family is seeking damages for wrongful death, funeral costs, emotional harm, and loss of financial and family support.
The Oakland Police Department said Thursday it does not comment on pending litigation and referred inquiries to the city attorney’s office, which declined to comment. The department confirmed the investigation into Martin’s death remains ongoing.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office said its official autopsy report is still awaiting test results after extra testing was requested by Martin’s family.
Martin was drafted 31st overall by the Buccaneers in 2012 out of Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie, earned Pro Bowl selections in 2012 and 2015, and was named first-team All-Pro in 2015.
He also played one season for the Oakland Raiders in 2018. He was originally from Oakland and was selected last August as one of the top 50 players in Buccaneers franchise history during the team’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The case is now in federal court. Burris said the lawsuit is as much about disclosure as damages: “It’s not knowing that’s the difficult part for the family.”
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