Sports Fans Fear for Caitlin Clark’s Safety After Stalker's Prison Sentence

Sports Fans Fear for Caitlin Clark’s Safety After Stalker's Prison Sentence originally appeared on The Spun.

On Monday, Marion County prosecutors announced a decision on a 55-year-old Texas man who had "an imaginary relationship" with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. 

Back in January, Michael Lewis was arrested for allegedly sending "threats and sexually explicit messages" to Clark. One message stated: "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." 

On July 28, Lewis was sentenced to more than two years in prison for one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor count of harassment. His time served at the Marion County Adult Detention Center will count towards his sentence. 

Lewis was previously ordered to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Fever. Obviously, that'll remain that way for the foreseeable future. 

"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. "He will now spend the next 2.5 years in the Department of Correction and the victim will be able to have peace of mind while focusing on what matters to her."

Mears continued, "I hope everyone focuses on the fact that there is a real victim here. There is a 22-year-old young person here who has been profoundly impacted by what is being said. I think, hopefully, (this case) also highlights there are consequences to what people say online. You have someone who is now looking over their shoulder, because they don't know, is this going to be the day or the time when I have to encounter this person in person." 

Even though Clark's stalker will spend years in prison, WNBA fans are worried this sentence isn't strong enough. 

"18 months isn't very long for a sicko. Stalkers too often turn into killers," one fan said. 

"Hate how this happens to so many female players. 18 months isn’t enough," another fan declared.

"Violence against women always being overlooked and undersentenced … who’s surprised," a third fan wrote.

"18 months is pathetic they better be monitoring him when he gets out," a social media user added.

Clark, who is currently sidelined with a strained right groin, has not commented on her stalker's prison sentence. 

We're certainly hoping the two-time WNBA All-Star stays safe.

Related: 'Thank Yous' Pouring In For Caitlin Clark's Foundation Tuesday

Sports Fans Fear for Caitlin Clark’s Safety After Stalker's Prison Sentence first appeared on The Spun on Jul 30, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.