In a troubling incident highlighting the ongoing issues of harassment faced by women in sports, police have charged a 55-year-old man from Texas with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark. The accused, identified as Michael Lewis, was taken into custody on Sunday at a hotel in Indianapolis, near where Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, is based.
Authorities allege that Lewis sent a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages to Clark through social media platform X. The messages, which were reportedly sent between December 16 and January 2, included alarming remarks indicating that he had been driving past her home and intended to attend her games. One message included a note about observing Clark from behind the bench during a game, while another ominously stated, "@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day..but don't call the law just yet."
Clark, who has recently been named the 2024 Women's National Basketball Association rookie of the year, took proactive measures, altering her appearance in public and alerting the police about the threats. Prosecutors noted that the messages caused her to feel "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened." In light of these serious claims, Lewis is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning. Should he be found guilty, he could face up to six years in prison and a hefty fine of $10,000.
The FBI tracked the origins of the messages to Lewis using IP addresses, leading to his arrest. During police questioning, he allegedly dismissed his messages as mere "imagination" and "fantasy," claiming they were intended as a joke, rather than a serious threat.
According to Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears, the case underscores the courage it takes for women to report such offenses. Mears remarked on the importance of standing against threats of sexual violence, encouraging victims to seek help and justice. This incident comes on the heels of another stalking case involving women's college basketball player Paige Bueckers, further emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action against harassment in sports and beyond.
