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Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin dealt with a traumatic episode prior to his death last weekend.
Martin, 36, was reportedly placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold after an incident at the Tranquility Rehab Center in Castro Valley, California, on August 13, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The former running back reportedly tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamine and was also reported to have fentanyl and a hunting knife in his possession at the time, according to the report.
A clinical supervisor found Martin dancing with blood on his hands and face in the front driveway at around 9:00 a.m. local time and called authorities, telling them the former Pro Bowler had suffered a psychotic episode. The woman said she forced her way into Martin's room and found the window was open and a screen pushed out, which led to an investigation into whether he jumped out of his second-floor window.
Martin was described in a complaint as "extremely paranoid" and responded "kinda" when asked by deputies if he was armed. Deputies told Martin that they had to pat him down before he could be observed by paramedics, which led to a struggle as officers attempted to handcuff him.
Martin reportedly hit the hand of one of the deputies, which led to the deputy punching him twice in the nose and mouth during the struggle. Martin was eventually pinned down and handcuffed, at which point three small bags of cocaine were found in his pocket and a 12-inch chef's knife was located inside a backpack.
Deputies placed him in a 72-hour psychiatric hold due to him having jumped from his second-story window. Martin's family confirmed that he dealt "mental health challenges prior to his death over the weekend, his family and his agent, Brian Murphy of Athletes First, confirmed in a statement shared Monday (October 20) night.
"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 reads. "Following recent media reports about Doug's untimely passing, the family wishes to clarify the circumstances. Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. 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.
"The family requests privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking loss."
Martin was previously identified as the individual who reportedly resisted arrest while being detained in his hometown of Oakland, California at around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday (October 18). The former NFL star reportedly suffered a "medical emergency" before the "brief struggle" ensured, at which point he became unresponsive.
Martin was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” Martin's family said in a statement obtained by the New York Post. ”Cause of death is currently unconfirmed.”
Martin's cause of death remains under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave in adherence with department protocol. Martin's death was initially reported by TMZ Sports, which cited a source with direct knowledge of the situation, on Sunday.
The former Boise State standout was the first first-round running back in program history when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 31 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons with Buccaneers, which included being selected as a First-team All-Pro in 2015, as well as a two-time Pro Bowler, both in 2015 and during his rookie season in 2012 and holds several franchise records, as well as the NFL record for most touchdowns in a half (4).
The Oakland native spent his final NFL season with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018. Martin finished his NFL career with 5,356 yards, 30 touchdowns and 1,322 rushing attempts, as well as 148 receptions for 1,207 yards and two touchdowns in seven seasons.