Man Arrested for Stalking Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark

Michael Lewis was arrested in Indianapolis after allegedly stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark with explicit threats via social media. Prosecutors emphasize the importance of speaking out against such abuses.

Police in Indianapolis arrested 55-year-old Michael Lewis from Texas on Sunday, charging him with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark, following allegations of sending multiple explicit threats over social media. Lewis's arrest occurred at a hotel where he was found after the FBI tracked the IP addresses connected to his communications with Clark.

Court documents detail that Lewis purportedly sent messages on X that included alarming statements, such as, "@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day," and "I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench." Such messages, sent between late December and early January, caused Clark to report her concerns to law enforcement, expressing fears for her safety.

Clark, who was honored as the 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association rookie of the year, had approached police prior to Lewis's arrival in Indianapolis and had reportedly altered her public appearance due to safety worries. Prosecutors highlighted that the invasive nature of these messages led Clark to feel "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened."

Following his arrest, Lewis claimed that his messages were a "joke" stemming from imagination, denying any intent of threatening behavior. Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the courage it requires for victims like Clark to come forward and pointed out that no woman should endure threats of sexual violence.

This troubling incident comes shortly after another case of stalking involving women’s college basketball star Paige Bueckers, raising broader concerns about the safety of female athletes. Lewis is set to appear in court where he could face up to six years in prison and a fine of $10,000 if convicted.