We're still learning more about circumstances surrounding the death of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star running back Doug Martin.
Martin died on October 18th at the age of 36, news that rocked not only Bucs fans but anyone who remembered the glory days of Muscle Hamster. He meant a lot to fans, something that was made abundantly clear when confirmation of his death spread as games were being played on Sunday.
Details surrounding his sudden and tragic death are also starting to become clear. Not long after TMZ broke the news of his passing, the Mercury News reported that his death occurred while in police custody after officers responded to a call about a home invasion near the Oakland Zoo.
Now, a piece from the San Francisco Chronicle fills in some of the blanks and provides tragic context about just how badly Martin was struggling. The full details can be found here, but among them are graphic and vivid accounts of a person in total crisis.
- Martin tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamine after checking into a rehab facility in August.
- Among his possessions were fentanyl and a hunting knife.
- He attempted to break out twice over his first 48 hours in rehab.
- Martin attacked a deputy and needed to be placed him on a 72-hour psychiatric hold.
That's not everything, either, and it all this predates the incident on October 18th that led to his death.
Martin had been relatively unheard from since retiring from the NFL back in 2019, and was honored as part of the Buccaneers' 50th anniversary celebrations this season. He did not attend any of the events, and it's unclear if he had been invited to any of the events still planned for the remainder of the year.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin," the Bucs said in a statement released after his death. "He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life."
This now marks five former Buccaneers players from the 2010s who have died in recent years, and Martin is the fourth player from the 2013 team to have passed away before the age of 40.