Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old man from Denton, Texas, has been sentenced to 2½ years in prison after pleading guilty to stalking and harassing Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The sentence comes after a high-profile court hearing that exposed months of disturbing behavior and a threat to player safety.
Between December 2024 and January 2025, Lewis sent hundreds of sexually explicit and threatening messages to Clark via social media. In one message, he told her he had been “driving around your house 3x a day” and urged her not to call the authorities.
Despite a welfare check by Indianapolis police after tracing his IP address to a local hotel, Lewis continued his harassment. He later described his relationship with Clark as “imaginary” and minimized his actions as a “fantasy-type” occurrence.
During the sentencing hearing, Lewis made erratic remarks—citing apocalyptic beliefs and insisting he “wanted her to be safe.” He also chewed headphones in court, behavior that led the judge to warn him he risked “talking himself out of a plea deal.”
Prosecutors described Lewis’s behavior as a credible threat, causing Caitlin Clark severe anxiety and forcing her to alter her daily life, including changing her public schedule.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears affirmed that the sentence ensures accountability and provides safety for the victim: “He will now spend the next two and a half years in the Department of Correction, and the victim will be able to have peace of mind while focusing on what matters to her.”
In addition to prison, the plea agreement includes a court-issued no-contact order, barring Lewis from all contact with Clark. He is forbidden from attending Indiana Fever or Indiana Pacers games, and he is prohibited from using the internet during his sentence. He will also receive required mental health treatment.
Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and face of the league, has declined detailed public comment. A brief statement released on her behalf expressed gratitude to law enforcement, teammates, and fans who supported her.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also issued a statement reaffirming the league’s commitment to player protection. She emphasized that the safety of players is paramount and vowed to work with teams and authorities to prevent similar incidents.
The case has sparked widespread discussion across social media and sports media platforms. Fans lauded Clark’s courage and the swift legal response, while commentators highlighted the case as a stark reminder of how online threats can escalate into real-world danger.
Lewis’s disturbing courtroom behavior—including apocalyptic rants and denial of any wrongdoing despite the guilty plea—only heightened concern regarding his mental state. The judge strongly recommended structured psychiatric care during his incarceration.
As Clark looks ahead to resuming her career post-injury, the court’s decision marks a significant step toward restoring her sense of security. It also sends a clear message: stalking and harassment targeting athletes will be met with serious consequences.
