• A Texas man has been charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark after sending threatening messages.
• Caitlin Clark reported fearing for her safety, compelling her to alter her public routine.
• The suspect, 55-year-old Michael Lewis, faces up to six years in prison if convicted.

Michael Thomas Lewis, a 55-year-old resident of Texas, has been charged with felony stalking in Indiana for allegedly sending a barrage of sexual and threatening messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark. The accusations stem from a series of interactions through the social media platform X that left Clark feeling “very fearful” and prompted her to alter her daily behavior for safety reasons. According to documents from the Marion County prosecutor's office, Lewis reportedly began sending these messages on December 16 and continued until January 11 prior to his arrest on January 14 in Indianapolis, where Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, plays their home games. The police traced Lewis to a hotel and a public library nearby, which were linked to the implicating messages.

Among the alarming communications, one message suggested Lewis had been surveilling Clark, stating, “Been driving around your house 3x a day…but don’t call the law just yet.” Prosecutors described the contents of his messages as “sexually violent,” creating an environment where Clark reportedly felt terrorized and fearful. Authorities noted that such rampant harassment is a growing issue among athletes, particularly women, with a recent study highlighting that female basketball players often face a significantly higher rate of threats compared to their male counterparts.

During police questioning, Lewis attempted to downplay his actions, portraying the interactions as “an imagination, fantasy type thing” and claiming he meant no harm. However, prosecutors are taking the charges seriously, with Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of online harassment, stating, “No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence.” Clark's case not only sheds light on the personal dangers athletes face due to their public personas but also highlights the broader implications of social media harassment.

Since her emergence as a high-profile athlete, Clark, who was recently named the 2024 AP Female Athlete of the Year, has quickly risen in popularity, influencing a considerable economic impact on the WNBA and inspiring many young women to engage in sports. The legal consequences Lewis now faces include a potential prison sentence of one to six years and a fine of up to $10,000, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation and court proceedings. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the trials faced by women athletes in the public eye and the necessity for active measures to counteract harassment.

For more information, refer to the original articles from BBC, India Times, and LA Times.