Doug Martin had been dealing with “mental health challenges” prior to his untimely death over the weekend, the ex-Buccaneers running back’s family revealed on Monday night.
In a newly released statement, Martin’s family clarified the events that had occurred prior to his death on Saturday while in Oakland Police custody, while also shedding light on the mental health issues that Martin had been privately dealing with.
“Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life. Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” the statement read, which was released through Martin’s agent Brian Murphy of Athletes First.
The statement comes following news that Martin had been in police custody at the time of his death after he was caught and arrested for breaking into a home in Oakland, California.
Monday night’s statement sought to clarify what had happened.
“Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support,” the statement said. “Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.”
Authorities said in a statement earlier in the day that officers attempted to detain Martin and that led to a “brief struggle.”
“After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive,” the Oakland Police Department said in a statement. “Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid, and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died.”
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OPD Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office are all investigating the in-custody death, which is department policy.
Martin was 36 at the time of his death.
The running back had made a name for himself in college at Boise State, where he rushed for more than 3,400 yards and 43 touchdowns in his career before being taken in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Bucs.
Martin spent six seasons in Tampa Bay and one season with the Raiders, putting up 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in that span.
