Being famous could be a curse sometimes. And WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark, unfortunately, had to deal with it. The Indiana Fever rookie became a victim of stalking, harassment, and threatening messages last year. She also had to report it to the police. The 23-year-old star also needed to alter her public appearances.
Eventually, officers found him staying at a hotel near Gainbridge Fieldhouse and arrested him. Initially arguing about his motive for the stay, the accused accepted the charges following his social media footprints.
Caitlin Clark Stalker Faces 18 Months In Jail Penalty
The stalker, Michael Lewis of Denton, Texas, drove to Indiana to stay closer to the Fever guard. Multiple cameras captured his vehicle on the route and even around the Gainbridge Field House arena, where the star plays and practices.
The 55-year-old man pleaded guilty in front of Marion County prosecutors and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. He can not attend any Indiana Fever or Indiana Pacers events. He must now stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse.
He will not have any internet access during his prison time. He will have no contact with Clark in any manner, as per the verdict.
“This resolution ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his threatening actions, the fear he instilled, and the disruption he caused,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said, according to WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
While the authorities deal with the current situation, there are many similar cases in women’s sports like this. Angel Reese is also facing online harassment issues. The Sky franchise is reportedly using special services to deal with the problem.
Stalker’s Questionable Messages to Caitlin Clark Revealed In Court
The court had some proof, and even some of the messages sent by the defaulter to CC were made public. There were mere mentions about the sexually explicit messages, but considering the dignity and sanity of the player, there were simple mentions of the word ‘erratic’ for the same.
“Been driving around your house 3x a day. But don’t call the law just yet, the public is allowed to drive by Gainbridge..aka Caitlin’s Fieldhouse,” the court used these statements to prove the offensive and inappropriate behavior from Lewis.
“I’m getting tickets. I’m sitting behind the bench,” was one of the threatening messages for the player.
“They said I was sending threatening texts… but the only though on my mind was….CAITLIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN,” a message highlighting a criminal mindset.
Incidentally, he sent over 800 messages during a short period of time. A few other messages were also threatening and inappropriate. The Fever guard reported it to the police.