Former NFL player Doug Martin dies after fight with officers, police say

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Former NFL All-Pro running back Doug Martin has died after a scuffle with officers who arrested him while investigating a break-in at a home in Oakland, police said Monday.

Martin, best known for his successful career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, became unresponsive after being arrested early Saturday, according to a statement released by the Oakland Police Department.

He was transported by emergency services to a hospital where he died, police said. He was 36 years old. The cause of death has not been released. An autopsy will be performed, the Alameda County coroner’s office said.

Police said in a statement that Martin was involved in a break-in and a “brief struggle” occurred as police attempted to arrest him. The ministry did not release any further details.

Martin, originally from Oakland, lived in Stockton, where he played high school football.

His former agent, Brian Murphy, released a statement at the request of Martin’s family, saying Martin privately struggled with mental health issues that “had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.”

Murphy said Martin’s parents sought medical help for Martin and contacted local authorities for help. Martin felt overwhelmed and disoriented, fled his house and entered a neighbor’s house two doors away where police arrested him, Murphy said.

“In the end, mental illness proved to be the one adversary Doug couldn’t run from,” Murphy said.

Police and the Oakland mayor said they contacted the family.

“We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished career in the NFL and who tragically passed away Saturday morning. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones,” Mayor Barbara Lee said in a statement Monday.

His death remains under investigation by police, the city police commission, the community policing agency and the county attorney’s office.

Martin was the 31st pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft after a stellar career at Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

He was named a first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl again after throwing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns in 2015.

Martin finished his career with 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in six seasons with the Buccaneers and one with the Raiders. He also had 148 catches for 1,207 yards and two scores.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,” the buccaneers said in a statement. “Doug has had a lasting impact on our franchise.”

Martin was selected as one of the 50 greatest players in franchise history as part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

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