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Former NFL player Doug Martin died after “a brief struggle” with police while being detained for an alleged break-in, authorities have said.
In the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 18, Martin died after Oakland Police Department (OPD) officers detained him following a break-in at a residence in the California city, per a news release shared by police on Facebook on Monday, Oct. 20.
Police had previously posted about an in-custody death, which occurred after officers responded to the break-in in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street just after 4:15 a.m. local time on Saturday. Officers later identified the individual as Douglas Martin of Stockton in the follow-up release.
The Associated Press identified Martin, 36, as the former NFL running back, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders.
He was with the Florida team from 2012 to 2017, and the other, now known as the Las Vegas Raiders, in 2018, PEOPLE previously reported.
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Police said in Monday’s release, “Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland. While responding officers were attempting to detain him, a brief struggle occurred.”
“After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive,” the release added. “Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid, and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died.”
“Since Saturday, OPD has been in contact with Martin’s family,” police continued. “The family has requested privacy as they grieve this tragic loss.”
The OPD concluded, “No additional details are being released at this time, as this remains an ongoing investigation.”
AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
Martin’s former agent, Brian Murphy, said in a statement at the request of the late athlete’s family that he’d struggled with mental health challenges that “profoundly impacted his personal and professional life,” according to the AP.
Murphy added that Martin’s parents had sought medical help for their son, as well as contacting local authorities for support, the news agency stated. He’d been taken into custody after feeling “overwhelmed and disoriented” before allegedly fleeing his home and entering a neighbor’s property two doors down, the agent added.
“Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” Murphy said, according to the AP.
The OPD said in a news release on Saturday, which hadn’t yet identified Martin, “In accordance with OPD policy, the officer(s) involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.”
During his NFL career, Martin had been chosen by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Before his time with the football league, Martin attended Boise State University from 2007 to 2011, where he played for the Boise State Broncos.
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Remembering Martin in a social media tribute after his death, the Buccaneers wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin.”
“From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise,” the team continued.
They added of Martin: “He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.”
The OPD, Martin’s former agent Brian Murphy and the Alameda County Coroner’s Office did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
