Cleveland Browns DT Malik McDowell is back in the news for off-the-field issues. Monday, the Cleveland starter was arrested on three charges stemming from an incident in Florida including aggravated battery of an officer and public exposure.
McDowell’s checkered past, as well as physical health issues, had kept him from playing an NFL game before 2021 despite being a second-round pick in 2017. He had legal issues in the past that also included a physical altercation with law enforcement. Video of that altercation is included in the linked piece.
The Browns gave McDowell a chance this offseason in a surprise move. He rewarded the team with good play and was named a starter.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, Monday’s arrest included McDowell with a “violent attack” as described by the officer:
The deputy said McDowell “charged at me … at full speed with closed fist,” leaving the deputy injured, the report said.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office arrested McDowell in Deerfield Beach on Monday on charges of exposing himself in public, resisting arrest with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer.
According to their report, law enforcement received a call of a naked man near a learning center for children that was in session. Responding to that call led to the incident. The official inmate record notes bond amount of $25,000 for the battery charge.
The Browns released the following statement on McDowell’s arrest:
#Browns statement regarding the arrest of DT Malik McDowell: pic.twitter.com/oeFLhG9pAr
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) January 18, 2022
We will update the situation as information becomes available.