CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell has been arrested in Florida on charges of beating a police officer and public exposure.
Police in Deerfield Beach said they were responding to a “naked male walking near a school” when an officer approached McDowell sitting on a curb.
The officer said McDowell stood up, uttered an obscenity at him and attacked him, punching him in the eye and on the top of the head.
McDowell is charged with aggravated battery on an officer, resisting arrest with violence and exposure of sex organs in public.
The Browns said they were aware of Monday's arrest and are 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," a statement from the Browns reads in part.
The team had offered McDowell a chance to revive his career following a troubled past that included an 11-month jail stay.
Following arrests on separate occasions for driving under the influence and disorderly conduct, McDowell was charged with assault, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated in 2019, 3 News reports. He was later arrested again for receiving and concealing stolen property.