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Former National Football League (NFL) running back Doug Martin has died aged 36 while in police custody in California. <\/p>\n
The Oakland Police Department said the former American football star – who spent most of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – died after being involved in an alleged home break-in and a struggle with officers on Saturday. <\/p>\n
“While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued,” the department said, adding Martin became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital, where he later died. <\/p>\n
His family announced his passing and said his cause of death was “unconfirmed”. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” his family told US media. The family asked for “privacy at this time”. <\/p>\n
In a statement, Martin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said they were “deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin”. <\/p>\n
“From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise,” the team added. <\/p>\n
Born in Oakland, California, Martin was Tampa Bay’s first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. During his first season, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. <\/p>\n
Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons playing for the Buccaneers, and was nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” because of his high strength despite being relatively short for a professional player at 5ft 9in (1.75m) tall. <\/p>\n
But he struggled with injuries and was also suspended in 2016 for four games for violating the NFL’s drug policy, after testing positive for a banned substance. He apologised and went to a drug treatment facility. <\/p>\n
Martin spent his final season with the Oakland Raiders, who are now based in Las Vegas, in 2018. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n