Caitlin Clark’s stalker has finally met his fate. A 55-year-old man from Texas, named Michael Lewis, had allegedly been “sending Clark numerous threats and s*xually explicit images on social media,” to Clark. The court has sentenced Lewis to 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the stalking and harassment charges.
The court order also directed Lewis to maintain distance from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, events organized by the Indiana Fever and the Indiana Pacers. Lewis is not allowed access to internet during his sentence and he can’t make any contact with Clark.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears told WTHR Channel 13:
“This resolution ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his threatening actions, the fear he instilled, and the disruption he caused. He will now spend the next 2½ years in the Department of Correction and the victim will be able to have peace of mind while focusing on what matters to her.”
When the police first arrested Lewis in January, several of his messages sent to Clark were made public. He had told Clark via X that he had been driving around her house “3x a day.” There were some more s*xually violent and scary messages as well, including, “I’m getting tickets. I’m sitting behind the bench.”
Lewis also told the officers that he was in “an imaginary relationship” with the 23-year-old. Other female athletes have been subjected to such lunacy in the past as well. In December, Paige Bueckers’ stalker, a 40-year-old man, was given a one-year suspended sentence and three years’ probation.
Caitlin Clark has had a meteoric rise in the world of basketball. She is arguably the most famous female athlete in the sport and is credited with revolutionizing women’s basketball. Clark understands that in her position, she is going to receive love and hate, regardless of what she does.
Caitlin Clark doesn’t take social media seriously
During a conversation on A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe, Clark talked about social media and how she deals with the added pressure. The 23-year-old stated that it’s not the real world and should not be taken seriously by anyone. She said (54:50):
“You have to remember, like, social media is just such a false perception of reality. And even for myself, you don’t always realize that at times, that it’s not the real world.”
Clark understands that the people who show up for her games and support her aren’t the ones wasting time on the internet. She said that the kids who expect to get her autograph or click pictures with her aren’t dissecting her every move. So, there’s plenty of positivity that she can focus on:
“When you’re in a position where people are going to love you and people aren’t going to like you, showing up to arenas really reminds me how many people are actually there supporting and loving you.”
Even though she has a clear vision for what truly matters to her, instances like stalking and harassment can shake anyone’s confidence and create a scary environment.
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