On January 14, 2025, , a 55-year-old man from Denton, Texas, appeared in an Indiana courtroom facing felony stalking charges related to Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old WNBA star and Indiana Fever player. During his initial court appearance, Lewis exhibited erratic behavior, including shouting “guilty as charged” upon entering the courtroom. Despite his admission, Judge Angela Davis entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, adhering to standard legal procedures.
Allegations Against Michael Thomas Lewis
The charges stem from a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages Lewis allegedly sent to Clark on the social media platform X between December 16, 2024, and January 2, 2025. These messages reportedly caused Clark to feel terrorized and threatened, leading her to alter her public activities and seek legal protection.
In one message, Lewis claimed to have driven by Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the venue where the Indiana Fever play their home games, multiple times a day. Another message included a sexually explicit threat. The FBI traced the IP addresses of these messages to an Indianapolis hotel and a downtown public library, indicating that Lewis had traveled from Texas to be near Clark.
Legal Proceedings and Court Appearance
During his court appearance, Lewis appeared disoriented and requested medication for a mental illness. He expressed a desire to remain in jail, rejecting the $50,000 bond set by the court. The court issued a no-contact order, prohibiting Lewis from being within 500 feet of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Clark’s boyfriend works. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 31, 2025.
Implications for Player Safety
This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures for professional athletes, particularly women. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has emphasized the league’s commitment to improving security protocols, including the use of technology, mental health resources, and physical security enhancements. The prominence of female athletes has unfortunately led to increased incidents of harassment and stalking, necessitating a continuous and multi-faceted approach to ensure their safety.
