Cleveland Browns 6’6″, 300 pound defensive tackle, Malik McDowell, is accused of walking around naked in front of a South Florida learning center causing a lockdown.
When a Broward County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived, the 6’6″ 260 pound tackle allegedly attacked him. The 25-year-old was then Tased.
Details about the assault on the deputy aren’t available, but the police report says it was a “violent attack” that left the deputy “dazed.”
McDowell is charged with aggravated battery on an officer, resisting arrest with violence and exposure of sex organs in public.
His defense attorney believes his client could have been slipped something.
“We are aware of the very concerning incident and arrest involving Malik McDowell and are in the process of gathering more information,” the Browns said in a statement.
“We understand the severity of this matter and our thoughts are for the well-being of all involved. We will have no further comment at this time.”
McDowell reportedly had been arrested three other times including for resisting arrest and assault.
After being taken by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2017 draft, McDowell got into an ATV accident and was placed on the non-football injury list. He was arrested twice after the accident, once for driving while intoxicated and once for disorderly conduct. He was arrested again in February 2019 for resisting arrest, operating a vehicle while under the influence and assault, and in April on charges relating to the possession of stolen property.
In Nov. 2019 McDowell pleaded guilty to all the 2019 criminal charges and was sentenced to 11 months in jail. It’s not known if he served that time, but he was medically cleared to return to football by mid-2020 and even worked out with the Miami Dolphins before the Browns signed him, giving him a second chance at the NFL.
McDowell might be out of chances now, and this arrest might mean the end of his NFL career. Complicating matter is that he’s still possibly on probation in Michigan, which could have an impact on his current legal entanglement in Florida.
Meanwhile, another NFL player is in trouble after he was arrested in Lake County, Florida. Jacksonville Jaguar and former Florida Gator Lerentee McCray was arrested this weekend after a police chase that started in Fruitland Park. Police say the 31-year-old Gainesville native was going 88 miles an hour in a 50 mile-an-hour zone, but he refused to pull over and reached 100 miles an hour before he stopped. According to a police report, McCray was behaving erratically, and marijuana and a gun were found in his truck.