Parents allege excessive force in death of ex-NFL player Martin - ESPN

OAKLAND, Calif. — 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, several police officers and an ambulance company.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court, Leslie and Douglas Martin say their son was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when responding Oakland police officers held him «face down while one or more officers pressed on his back.» The lawsuit alleges this restraint was a «substantial factor» in causing his death.

Martin, 36, who spent most of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was selected last August as one of the top 50 players in franchise history as part of the team's 50th anniversary celebration. He was originally from Oakland and lived in Stockton, where he played high school football.

Police said in a statement at the time of Martin's death that he was involved in a break-in and that a «brief struggle» happened as police were trying to detain him, and he became unresponsive. The department did not release any other details.

The Oakland Police Department said Thursday that it does not comment on pending litigation and referred inquiries to the city attorney's office, which declined comment. Oakland police also said the investigation into Martin's death is ongoing.

After Leslie Martin called paramedics for help, the lawsuit says that responding police officers found Doug Martin hiding in a neighbor's home and physically restrained him face down after a brief struggle. The complaint alleges he was later turned onto his side and was unresponsive and says officers initially thought he was «sleeping or pretending to be.» They