Caitlin Clark forced to change appearance in public after threats from alleged stalker | Caitlin Clark

A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged with stalking and sending threatening messages to basketball star Caitlin Clark.

Michael Lewis, of Denton, Texas, was arrested at a hotel in Indianapolis, where Clark plays for the Indiana Fever. He is due in court Tuesday and could face up to six years in prison if convicted of the stalking charges.

Indianapolis police first spoke to Lewis last week after he allegedly sent threatening messages to Clark on day. But don’t call justice just yet. Other messages contained elements of sexual violence, according to the documents.

Clark told Indianapolis police that the messages made her fear for her safety and caused her to change her appearance when she was in public. Police traced Lewis to an Indianapolis hotel where he said he had an “imaginary relationship” with Clark and had come to town on vacation.

Police said Lewis continued to send messages to Clark after warning him about his conduct.

“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. “In doing so, the victim sets an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the risk of sexual violence.”

Clark, 22, was the No. 1 pick in last year’s WNBA draft after a stellar college career at Iowa. Her elite skills and rivalry with Angel Reese made her one of the hottest sports stars in the United States. In her first season as a professional, she was named Rookie of the Year, broke the league record for assists and signed a $28 million endorsement deal with Nike.