Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell was arrested for public exposure and beating a police deputy in Florida on Monday after he wandered naked onto a preschool’s property.
The video shows McDowell, a 6-foot-6 and 295-pound nude, being surrounded by police officers at the Deerfield Beach Learning Center parking lot. The charges against him include exposing his self publicly, resisting arrest using violence and assaulting a police officer.
A prosecutor claimed Tuesday that McDowell was naked when he entered the Learning Center’s property.
A South Florida Sun-Sentinel police report claims McDowell punched a deputy using a closed fist. The officer had approached McDowell, a naked Browns player, as he sat down on a curb.
‘[McDowell] charged at me … at full speed with closed fist,’ the officer said in the report.
Officers secure McDowell’s legs and arms with shackles, before McDowell is placed on a stretcher and covered in blankets.
According to his attorney, someone could have drugged the young man aged 25.
Local10.com’s attorney stated that someone may have given or slipped something to him, explaining some of the bizarre behaviors.
Nan Zamora, a spokesperson for the company said that teachers noticed a man in a car park without clothing and put the preschool into lockdown.
Local10.com’s Zamora said that he seemed not to know himself.
According to Broward County Sheriff’s records, McDowell was being held on a $31,000 bond and still in jail as of Tuesday afternoon.
McDowell is seen naked at 6 feet and 295 lbs in video taken during his arrest. He was surrounded by law enforcement officers as he walked through the Deerfield Beach school’s lot. The charges against him include exposing his self publicly and resisting arrest using violence. He also faces allegations of battery on an officer.
An entourage of officers stands around McDowell’s naked body during Monday’s South Florida police arrest
Malik McDowell, Cleveland Browns’ defensive tackle was arrested on Monday for public exposure. He was also accused of beating a Florida deputy after responding to reports that an individual was naked walking near schools.
McDowell, naked, was taken to the hospital on a stretcher. He was then covered with a blanket.
McDowell, 25, appeared to smile several times throughout the arrest
Brown was set to be released in March as a non-immigrant agent, which could mean that he loses his job.
Browns spokeswoman said Tuesday, “We are aware that the extremely concerning incident and arrest in which Malik McDowell was involved and we are currently gathering additional information.” We are fully aware of the gravity of this situation and send our deepest sympathies to all parties. At this point, we will not be commenting.
DailyMail.com requested Broward County police records but they did not reply.
McDowell isn’t the only one with legal problems.
In 2017 he was arrested on suspicion of DUI and disorderly behavior. He also had an argument with Michigan police in 2019 and received a two-game NFL suspension.
He pleaded guilty for assaulting, resisting arrest, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and driving drunk during the 2019 incident. Following his April 2019 arrest for driving a stolen pickup truck, the Detroit native pleaded guilty to receiving and concealing stolen goods.
For the 2019 arrest, he spent 66 days in prison.
Malik McDowell (25), pictured following his arrest at Deerfield Beach in Florida, Monday
McDowell was a highly-touted second-round pick in 2017, but after signing a four-year, $6.95 million contract with Seattle, he got into an ATV accident in 2017. In 2021 McDowell was back in the NFL, joining the Brows and starting 16 games for Cleveland.
McDowell was cited for DUI in 2017 and disorderly conduct in 2019. In 2019, McDowell got into a fight with Michigan police at Lathrup Village’s gas station.
McDowell was arrested in 2019. The officer pulled out his Taser, pointed at McDowell and demanded that McDowell lie down on his chest.
McDowell after his Michigan arrest in 2019.
McDowell had been highly valued second-round selection in 2017, however, after signing an $8.95 million, four-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, McDowell became involved in an accident on his ATV in 2017 and was taken off of the reserve/did not reporting list.
The team eventually waived him due to a non-football related injury. This cost him many millions.
McDowell was arrested in 2019. The video of McDowell fighting off several officers at Lathrup Village’s gas station, Michigan made national headlines. Later, it was revealed that McDowell’s blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit.
McDowell confronted officers physically, and he tried to grab the gun of one officer during the dispute. He was ultimately shot with an electrical stun gun. However, he managed to carry on his argument with police.
McDowell is reportedly still on Michigan probation, and could face legal problems in Michigan if convicted in Florida.
He returned to the Browns in 2021 and eventually started 16 games with Cleveland.
McDowell was eventually arrested by a group of officers.