Former Seahawks DL Malik McDowell Facing Charges From Two Incidents

Mike Martindale of the Detroit News reports that former Seahawks DL Malik McDowell was stopped for suspicion of drunken driving back in February after he allegedly got in a fight with two police officers.

The police report mentions that McDowell confronted one of the arresting officers inside a gas station where he refused to hand over his license, grabbed his wrists and put his hand on the officer’s gun.

McDowell was shocked with a Taser before being taken away in handcuffs after another officer arrived at the scene. There was reportedly “heavy extensive damage to the inside of the store” during the scuffle and McDowell has since been charged with assault/resisting arrest and operating while intoxicated.

The first charge of assault/resisting arrest is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and fines while the second offense is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Martindale also reports that McDowell was later charged in a separate incident with receiving and concealing stolen property.

McDowell claims he purchased a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup for $3,000 off the street. However, the truck was equipped with a GPS device that ultimately led police to a closed garage at McDowell’s address.

If McDowell is convinced in the truck offense, he could get receive a five-year prison sentence along with a $10,000 fine.

According to Martindale, McDowell has now been ordered to stand trial on charges in both cases.

“My client has had some troubles this year,” McDowell’s attorney, Mitchell Ribitwer said of the incidents. “We hope to resolve these matters but first will seek an adjournment in court Thursday.”

Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News reported a few months ago that the Seahawks filed suit in the U.S. District Court in Michigan that alleges McDowell has failed to pay back the $799,238 an arbitrator ordered him to after he was involved in a serious ATV accident. 

This was a breach of McDowell’s contract and he was ordered to repay his $1,599,238 signing bonus to Seattle. The Seahawks were able to recoup $800,000 by not paying McDowell’s salary for the 2018 season.

McDowell’s career remains in question, even though he and his agent have said he’s ready to return and the Cowboys brought him in for a workout this offseason.

McDowell, 22, was selected with the No. 35 overall pick by the Seahawks in 2017 after they elected to trade down with the Jaguars. In total, the Seahawks gave up the No. 34 overall pick and acquired a second- and a sixth-round pick for the right to select McDowell.

McDowell signed a four-year, $6.95 million contract that includes $4.91 million guaranteed. Seattle waived him last year with a non-football injury designation and he later reverted to their injured reserve list before the Seahawks officially parted ways with him this past March.

During his three-year college career at Michigan State, McDowell recorded 88 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and scored one defensive touchdown in 32 games with the Spartans.