In a bizarre courtroom scene in Indianapolis, a man accused of stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark made an unexpected declaration, admitting he was “guilty as charged.”
Michael Thomas Lewis, 55, shocked the court with erratic outbursts during Tuesday’s hearing, even urging the judge to “throw me the booky.”
A Series of Contradictions
Although Lewis initially claimed responsibility for his alleged actions, he later contradicted himself, saying, “You got the wrong guy,” after noticing the absence of “Jr.” on the court documents.
Dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and black sandals, he repeatedly disrupted the proceedings, prompting Marion County Superior Court Judge Angela Davis to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf.
Troubling Allegations Against Caitlin Clark
Lewis faces a stalking charge, classified as a Level 5 felony, for targeting the 22-year-old Indiana Fever player.
Court documents reveal that Lewis’ actions, which included disturbing posts on social media, caused Clark to feel “terrorized, frightened, or threatened.”
Among the accusations, authorities say Clark feared potential sexual violence.
Lewis remains in custody on a $50,000 bond, with conditions that include staying in Indiana and wearing a GPS monitor if released.
However, he dismissed the idea of freedom, declaring, “I don’t want bond, bail, whatever. I’m here. I’m staying.”
A Disturbing Pattern of Behavior
According to police, Lewis began harassing Clark online in mid-December, using posts on X (formerly Twitter) to express a delusional and escalating obsession.
Initially cryptic, his messages became sexually explicit and threatening over time.
One early post read, “This fantasy Caitlin relationship is changing me for the better.”
But soon after, Lewis shared chilling messages, including, “@CaitlinClark22 I’m gonna touch myself.
Not if but just when, baby.”
Lewis allegedly relocated from Texas to Indianapolis to be closer to Clark, posting bizarre messages about his decision.
“I had absolutely no plans of ever coming back here,” he wrote.
“But I sent you a post saying I want to be with you everywhere.”
Caitlin Clark’s Courageous Response
Clark took proactive steps to report the harassment, working with authorities to ensure her safety.
She even admitted to altering her public appearance out of fear.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commended her bravery, saying, “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases.”
Mears highlighted the broader issue of online harassment, emphasizing that it often escalates to physical threats.
“This case shows that no matter how prominent you are, everyone deserves to live and work without fear of violence,” he added.
A Growing Concern in Women’s Sports
Clark isn’t the only high-profile women’s basketball player to face such harassment.
Last year, a 40-year-old man pleaded guilty to stalking UConn star Paige Bueckers after publicly declaring his intent to marry her.
The man received a suspended sentence and probation after being arrested with an engagement ring and lingerie.
These cases underscore the challenges female athletes face as they navigate public life while combating threats to their safety.
Moving Forward with Strength
For Clark, the incident is a reminder of the courage it takes to confront harassment and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
As she continues her promising basketball career, her resilience and determination set an inspiring example for others facing similar challenges.
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