Caitlin Clark stalker sentenced to more than 2 years in prison

July 28, 2025

Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old Texas man, has been sentenced to 2. 5 years in prison for sending hundreds of threatening and sexually explicit messages to basketball star Caitlin Clark. Lewis, who was arrested in January near where Clark's team plays, claimed during his sentencing that he never intended to threaten Clark and was merely pointing out security issues.

Who is affected

Caitlin Clark, basketball superstar for the Indiana Fever
Michael Lewis, the 55-year-old Texas man sentenced to prison
Indiana Fever organization (indirectly)
Women who experience online harassment (referenced indirectly by Prosecutor Ryan Mears)

What action is being taken

Michael Lewis is being sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for harassment and stalking
Lewis is being ordered to have no contact with Clark
Lewis is prohibited from using the internet during his prison term
Lewis is required to stay away from all Indiana Fever games
Officials are publicly praising Clark for reporting the harassment

Why it matters

The case demonstrates how online harassment can escalate to threats of physical violence
Clark had to alter her appearance in public due to fear of the threats
The prosecutor highlighted that many women don't report such harassment due to the courage required
The case involves a high-profile WNBA athlete who has set multiple league records
The sentencing establishes consequences for online harassment and stalking of public figures

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC