Authorities have charged a Texas man with stalking following a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages directed at WNBA star Caitlin Clark over social media. The individual, identified as 55-year-old Michael Lewis, was arrested on Sunday at a hotel in Indianapolis, where Clark plays for the Indiana Fever.
Law enforcement reported that Lewis sent multiple messages via social media platform X, which were deemed threatening in nature. His court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday morning, and if convicted, he could face up to six years in prison along with a hefty fine of $10,000.
Court documents reveal alarming messages allegedly sent to Clark, including one where Lewis stated, “I’ve been driving around your house three times a day... but don’t call the law just yet,” suggesting he was surveilling her. Another message boasted about him sitting behind the bench during games, highlighting the unsettling nature of his communications, which spanned from December 16 to January 2.
Caitlin Clark, the anticipated Rookie of the Year for the Women’s National Basketball Association, reported the incidents to authorities out of concern for her safety. According to ESPN, she even began altering her appearance in public due to these fears. Prosecutors noted that the messages "caused Caitlin Clark to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened" in court documents.
The FBI tracked Lewis to the Indianapolis hotel by using the IP addresses linked to his messages. When questioned, Lewis claimed the messages were merely "imagination," dismissing them as jokes instead of threats.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears praised Clark for her courage in stepping forward, expressing that many women face similar situations but often remain silent. He reiterated the importance of creating a safe environment for women to live and work without the looming threat of violence, stating, “The victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.”
This incident follows a recent case where another man from Oregon was charged with stalking women’s college basketball athlete Paige Bueckers, highlighting a concerning trend in the safety of female athletes.
