Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old from Texas, sent several threatening and sexually explicit messages to Caitlin Clark through his X account, which had no followers.
A Texas man is facing serious charges after allegedly stalking Caitlin Clark.
Highlights
- Michael Lewis continued sending the messages, which led to immediate intervention by law enforcement.
- Caitlin Clark mentioned that she had adjusted her public appearance schedule out of fear for her safety.
- The message indicated he had been near Clark’s home. He allegedly noted that he had driven by her residence thrice daily.
Authorities claim Michael Lewis, from Denton, sent threatening and sexually explicit messages to the WNBA star on social media before driving to Indianapolis.
Lewis was arrested on 12 January in Indianapolis and charged with stalking, a Level 5 felony.
Police say they traced his movements to a hotel in the area, which led to his arrest.
Michael Lewis Told Authorities That His Message Meant No Harm To Caitlin Clark
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reports that officers initially reached out to Lewis last week, and he minimized the severity of the messages, insisting they were more fantasy than real.
“It’s an imagination, fantasy type thing and it’s a joke, and it’s nothing to do with threatening,”
Michael Lewis
He also claimed he was visiting Indianapolis for vacation.
Despite being asked to stop, authorities say he continued sending the messages, which led to immediate intervention by law enforcement.
But his replies to Caitlin is where it gets really disturbing… 🤢
— Kicks (@kicks) January 13, 2025
“Been driving around your house 3x a day”
“I’m getting tickets. I’m sitting behind the bench.”
The more you read, the worse it gets 👇
(via @JonnyRoot_) pic.twitter.com/GlQnHmpCzW
Clark expressed her concerns to authorities, as outlined in court documents obtained by TMZ Sports.
Lewis eventually traveled over 1,000 miles to get closer to Clark.
According to court documents, the messages were traced back to an IP address near Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the venue for the Indiana Fever.
She mentioned that she had adjusted her public appearance schedule out of fear for her safety.
The documents also included several of Lewis’ alleged messages, which were disturbing.
Some of the messages indicated he had been near Clark’s home. He allegedly noted that he had driven by her residence thrice daily.
Also, he advised her not to involve the police as the public was allowed to drive by Gainbridge, also known as Caitlin’s Fieldhouse.
One message mentioned that he was getting tickets to sit behind the bench and planned to cause trouble.
“im getting tickets. Im sitting behind the bench..and im gonna f em up…watch me….settle down Michael..ur stuck in snow,”
Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis Could Be Imprisoned For Six Years With A Fine Up To $10,000
Authorities also issued a stay-away order and requested a higher bond than usual.
A Level 5 felony carries a potential prison sentence of up to six years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Authorities in Indianapolis have charged a 55-year-old Texas man with felony stalking of Indiana Fever star and WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark.
— This_and_That (@This_a_n_d_That) January 14, 2025
Michael Thomas Lewis is accused of repeated and continued harassment of the 22-year-old Clark beginning on Dec. 16, the Marion…
Sadly, Clark isn’t the only one facing this issue. Last month, a 40-year-old man admitted to stalking UConn star Paige Bueckers.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears spoke about the case on 11 January, stating that it takes great courage for women to come forward in these situations, which is why many don’t.
By speaking out, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indianapolis without the fear of sexual violence.
Well, Caitlin Elizabeth Clark, an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever, played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes and is considered one of the greatest college players ever.
Clark is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I and was named national player of the year twice while at Iowa.
After her college career, she helped boost the popularity of women’s basketball, a phenomenon called the “Caitlin Clark effect.”
Additional Information
- Clark attended Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she was named a McDonald’s All-American and ranked as the fourth-best player in her class by ESPN.
- As a senior, she won national player of the year again and helped Iowa make it back to the national title game.
- Clark broke the Division I career and single-season records for points and three-pointers, as well as the all-time conference record for assists, while leading the nation in both points and assists.
