**Charges Filed Against Texas Man for Stalking WNBA's Caitlin Clark**

**Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA, reported receiving multiple explicit threats before the arrest of Michael Lewis, shedding light on the dangers faced by female athletes.**

A Texas man is facing charges of stalking following a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages sent via social media to WNBA player Caitlin Clark. Michael Lewis, 55, was apprehended in Indianapolis, the operational base of Clark's team, the Indiana Fever, after authorities traced the messages back to him. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, where he could face up to six years in prison along with a $10,000 fine if convicted.

The unsettling communications from Lewis included alarming statements about observing Clark's residence, indicating his obsession. One message reportedly stated, “@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day…but don’t call the law just yet,” suggesting he had been tracking her personal movements. Clark, considered a frontrunner for the WNBA rookie of the year in 2024, had informed local law enforcement about the explicit threats, citing fears for her safety and making changes to her public appearance because of these concerns.

Law enforcement noted that the messaging spanned from December 16 to January 2, leading to Clark's proactive measures to protect herself. Prosecutors emphasized that the messages had a profound psychological impact on Clark, causing her substantial fear and anxiety. The FBI succeeded in tracing Lewis down through the IP addresses associated with the messages, leading to his identification and subsequent arrest.

In a statement released by Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears, he expressed solidarity with victims of such harassment, commending Clark for her courage in reporting the threats. The case mirrors a recent incident involving another basketball star, highlighting ongoing safety issues faced by women in sports as they navigate both their athletic careers and personal security.