Michael Lewis was arrested and charged with stalking after sending multiple threats to Caitlin Clark, prompting discussions on women's safety in sports.
Stalking Charges Filed Against Texas Man for Threatening WNBA Player Caitlin Clark
Stalking Charges Filed Against Texas Man for Threatening WNBA Player Caitlin Clark
A 55-year-old man faces serious legal repercussions after allegedly sending threatening messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark on social media.
A Texas man, identified as 55-year-old Michael Lewis, has been charged with stalking WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark after reportedly bombarding her with threats and sexually explicit messages via social media. Lewis was taken into custody on Sunday in Indianapolis, where Clark plays for the Indiana Fever. Authorities traced numerous disturbing communications sent to Clark on the platform X, with some messages explicitly detailing his presence near her home.
Court documents reveal that one of Lewis's messages stated, "@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day..but don't call the law just yet, the public is allowed to drive by Gainbridge..aka Caitlin's Fieldhouse." Another concerning message indicated his intent to attend her games, saying, "I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench." These messages were sent from December 16 to January 2, alarming Clark enough to alert law enforcement about her concerns for her safety.
As a rising star in women's basketball, Clark had already faced anxiety about her visibility; the 22-year-old began altering her appearance in public due to fears stemming from Lewis's communications, which prosecutors argued instilled feelings of terror and intimidation. ESPN reported that before Lewis's arrival in Indianapolis, Clark had already informed police about the situation, showcasing her awareness of the potential dangers.
Following an investigation, the FBI managed to locate Lewis utilizing IP addresses linked to his messages, leading to his arrest at a hotel in downtown Indianapolis. However, Lewis insisted to authorities that his actions were merely "an imagination, fantasy type thing and it's a joke," dismissing the threatening nature of his messages.
In a press statement, Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears praised Clark's courage for coming forward, highlighting the importance of setting a precedent for other women who may find themselves in similar situations. This incident occurred shortly after another stalking case involving women’s college basketball player Paige Bueckers was reported, underscoring ongoing concerns about the safety of female athletes.
