The family of former NFL player Doug Martin is taking their fight to court, accusing the City of Oakland, its police department, and an ambulance company of playing a role in the football player’s tragic death.
And this is one story where the allegations are as serious as they come.
According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Martin’s parents, they believe Oakland police used excessive force during the encounter that led to their son’s death last year. The lawsuit also claims medical care was delayed, arguing that the delay made an already tragic situation even worse.
Needless to say, this isn’t your average courtroom dispute over who forgot to return a lawn mower.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges the 36-year-old died as a result of restraint asphyxia by Oakland police as well as the delayed response by FALCK NORCAL paramedics after officers called for medical assistance.
Martin’s parents, Leslie and Douglas, said their son was having a mental health crisis on Oct. 18. Leslie called paramedics with Martin fleeing to a neighbor’s house to hide. An Oakland police officer found him in the basement, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims police restrained Martin facedown while one or more officers pressed on his back. Officers then allegedly turned Martin on his side, and he was unresponsive. The lawsuit alleges officers believed he was “sleeping or was pretending to be” until an officer requested medical assistance after Martin remained unconscious.
Now, instead of celebrating highlight reels and broken tackles, Martin’s family is focused on getting answers.
The paramedics arrived more than 15 minutes after the call was placed and medical attention wasn’t promptly given to Martin, according to the lawsuit.
Martin played seven seasons in the NFL, rushing for 5,536 yards and 30 touchdowns primarily in Tampa Bay. In 2015, the running back was a first-team All-Pro selection after rushing for the second-most yards (1,402) that season.
A player once known for fighting through defenders is now at the center of a legal fight his family says is about accountability, justice, and getting the answers they believe they deserve.
This story is far from over, and the courtroom, not social media, will ultimately decide what comes next.
