The family of former NFL running back Doug Martin has filed a lawsuit against the city of Oakland, its police department, and an ambulance company, alleging negligence that contributed to his death in custody, according to Fox News.
What happened
Doug Martin’s parents, Leslie and Douglas, filed the suit on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. They claim that police actions and the delay in paramedic response led to Martin’s death at 36 years old.
The lawsuit alleges that Martin died from restraint asphyxia, attributed to “Oakland police officers and the Falck Northern California paramedics’ failure to provide timely medical care.” Martin was pronounced dead at a hospital following the incident.
“When you call for help and the police come, it’s not a death warrant,” said John Burris, the family’s attorney.
According to the suit, Martin experienced a mental health crisis on October 18. His mother called paramedics, but he fled to a neighbor’s home, where police later located him in the basement. Officers physically restrained him face down while applying pressure to his back, and after turning him on his side, they discovered he was unresponsive.
Why it matters
This lawsuit raises serious concerns about police and emergency medical response protocols during mental health crises. The family seeks answers regarding the circumstances leading to Martin’s death and accountability for the actions taken by officers and paramedics.
The outcome could impact ongoing discussions about how law enforcement interacts with individuals experiencing mental health issues and may lead to changes in policies and training priorities in Oakland and beyond.
Background
On October 18, 2026, Leslie Martin called for help after her son exhibited troubling behavior. When police found him, he had fled to a neighbor’s house, prompting a response that ultimately led to his death.
Martin, who spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and finished his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018, had faced personal challenges, including a suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy in 2016.
What’s next
The case is ongoing, and a preliminary hearing is expected in the coming months to address the allegations and determine the next legal steps.
