Doug Martin died while in police custody, according to multiple reports.
The former NFL running back and Boise State standout was 36. His passing was confirmed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
According to a social media post by the Oakland (California) Police Department, the incident associated with Martin’s death occurred just after 4:15 a.m. local time on Saturday on a street near the Oakland Zoo.
“Officers responded to the area for an individual who had broken into a nearby residence,” the advisory said. “Simultaneously, officers were notified of an individual who was experiencing a medical emergency and was believed to be the same individual related to the break-in.”
Officers located the individual inside the residence and “a brief struggle ensued.” The person became unresponsive after being taken into custody and, despite aid from paramedics and being transported to a local hospital, died. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is customary.
The Oakland Police Department’s homicide section and internal affairs unit are investigating the incident, as are the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
USA Today Sports has reached out to the Oakland Police Department and the Alameda District Attorney’s Office for confirmation and additional information.
Martin’s family released a statement saying a cause of death was unconfirmed and the Bucs called Martin’s passing “sudden.” The family referred back to the statement when contacted by news outlets.
Martin played in the NFL from 2012-18 and was a northern California native.