Naked Cleveland Browns Player Attacks Deputy In Florida: Report

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL — Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell was accused of public exposure and attacking a sheriff's deputy Monday.

Deputies were called regarding a naked man walking near a school, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Prosecutors later said it was a learning center and that surveillance footage showed McDowell naked near the property.

McDowell fought back when the deputy confronted him, according to an arrest report obtained by the newspaper. The report called the attack "violent” and said the officer was "dazed." The deputy used a stun gun on McDowell, who was taken into custody by the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

He faces charges of resisting arrest with violence, battery of a law enforcement officer and public exposure.

The Cleveland Browns said in a statement Tuesday it was "aware of the very concerning incident" and was trying to get more information. It added that the organization's "thoughts are for the well-being of all involved," according to cleveland.com.

McDowell, 25, played 15 games for the Browns this past season, according to Pro Football Reference, and recorded three sacks and 33 tackles. Before coming to Cleveland, he was a second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks but was hurt in an ATV accident and spent a few years out of the NFL.

McDowell previously had run-ins with law enforcement, according to NBC Sports. He was accused of driving impaired in September 2017, then disorderly conduct in December 2017. In February 2019, he was accused of resisting arrest, driving a vehicle while intoxicated, and assault. He was suspended two games by the NFL.

The Detroit, Michigan, native attended Michigan State University.