Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell was taken into custody in Florida on Monday on multiple charges, including public exposure.
According to a police report, the accused has been charged with “aggravated battery on an officer, resisting an officer/obstructing with violence and exposure of sex organs in public.” Bail was posted at $25,000.
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McDowell was under contract with Cleveland Browns for only one season. In a statement, the team said they were seeking more information.
“We are aware of the very concerning incident and arrest involving Malik McDowell and are in the process of gathering more information. 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,” the team said.
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McDowell has had a troubled past. He was picked up by Seattle Seahawks in 2017 but couldn’t play for the team after suffering a brain injury in an ATV accident.
In 2019, he was arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. In a video that captured the incident, he was seen fighting two cops even after they used a stun gun on him. He remained in jail for 11 months.
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Browns general manager Andrew Berry, however, took a chance on McDowell, who was a long shot to make the roster when training camp opened but impressed the team with his size, strength and potential after not playing for more than two years. He played well in stretches this season, finishing with three sacks in 14 starts. It was possible the Browns were going to re-sign him as an exclusive rights free agent.
With inputs from the Associated Press