Parents of Former NFL Player Doug Martin Allege Excessive Police Force Led to His Wrongful Death
The lawsuit says officers held Martin face down and Falck paramedics arrived more than 15 minutes after the call for service.
- On Tuesday, the family of former NFL running back Doug Martin filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Oakland, several police officers, and Falck Northern California following his death in police custody last October.
- Responding to a mental health crisis call on October 18, 2025, officers found Martin hiding in a neighbor's basement, where they restrained him face down with at least one officer pressing on his back.
- The lawsuit alleges Martin died of "restraint asphyxia" while officers mistook his unresponsiveness for sleeping, and claims Falck paramedics arrived over 15 minutes late, failing to provide timely medical care.
- Civil rights attorney John Burris, representing the family, stated the lawsuit aims to clarify the circumstances of the death, as officials have not been forthcoming with autopsy records or comments.
- Neurologists are examining Martin's brain for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, though his family's pathologist indicated such findings would not explain the cause of death.
54 Articles
54 Articles
Parents of Former Star Running Back Blame Cops for His Death
The parents of former All-Pro NFL running back 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. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in...
NFL player Doug Martin’s family accuses Oakland police of using excessive force in death
The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin say excessive force by police and delayed medical care led to their son's death last year, according to a wrongful death lawsuit.
Former Boise State star died in Oakland police custody. His family filed a lawsuit
FILE – Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin looks on during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Aug. 15, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. | Rick Scuteri, Associated Press, File. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — The family of former Boise State and NFL running back Doug Martin has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the police officers, paramedics and city of Oakland, where Martin died while in police custody in October 2025. The lawsuit, whi…
Doug Martin's Death Takes New Legal Turn as Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Oakland
The family of former NFL running back Doug Martin has taken legal action months after his death, claiming police officers used excessive force and that delayed medical treatment cost him his life.
Associated Press News
Parents of former NFL player Doug Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death
The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police officers and an ambulance company.
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