NFL Player Malik McDowell Arrested in Florida for Exposing Himself on Children’s Learning Center Property, Attacking Officer

After his first season with the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Malik McDowell is in hot water with Broward County police officers after a disturbing incident.

McDowell was arrested in Florida on Tuesday on charges of battery involving a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and public exposure, according to a police report from the Broward Sherriff’s Office.

According to multiple reports, the former Michigan State defensive tackle was seen walking naked into a children’s learning center. When police confronted him, McDowell reportedly attacked and injured a deputy. McDowell then fled but was eventually tased and handcuffed.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, McDowell appeared before a Broward County judge on Jan. 18. Assistant State Attorney Eric Linder told Judge Phoebee Francois that surveillance video shows McDowell walking naked onto the learning center property while children were in class.

McDowell’s defense attorney told Francois that “apparently somebody may have slipped him something or given him something he was unaware of, which explains some of his bizarre behavior.”

The Browns issued a statement after learning of McDowell’s arrest.

“We are aware of the very concerning incident, and arrest involving Malik McDowell and are in the process of gathering more information,” the statement said. “We understand the severity of this matter, and our thoughts are for the well-being of all involved. We have no further comments at this time.”

According to the arrest report, the arresting deputy said the 295-pound athlete “charged at me full speed with closed fists.” The deputy said he was not able to use his weapon or “de-escalation tactics” to avoid the confrontation.

McDowell fled after the attack, but the deputy was able to use a stun gun to stop and handcuff him. He is being held in jail on a $31,000 bond.

This is the latest in a long list of incidents involving the police and the football player since his collegiate career ended.

McDowell spent three seasons playing for the Spartans for two years before being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Drafts by the Seattle Seahawks.

He splurged on an ATV with his signing bonus and crashed, suffering major head injuries, shortly before his rookie training camp was to start.

After the crash, McDowell was arrested four times, three of which were alcohol-related. He also stole a truck and was sentenced to three months in prison in November of 2019.