Why Caitlin Clark's Stalker Begged to Stay in Jail

University of Iowa basketball players prepare to step on the court at the "Crossover at Kinnick" basketball game in Iowa City, 2023. Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Jason Everett. Public domain.

A 55-year-old Texas man accused of stalking WNBA^® sensation Caitlin Clark shocked a courtroom earlier this year with an unexpected outburst — admitting guilt and asking not to be released. What began with threatening social media messages has escalated into a disturbing legal case that's forced one of America's most celebrated athletes to rethink her safety.

A Dangerous Obsession Comes to Light

Michael Thomas Lewis of Texas was charged with felony stalking after allegedly sending sexually explicit and threatening messages to Clark on social media between Dec. 16 and Jan. 2. While court documents list him as a Texas resident, Lewis told the judge he lives in his vehicle, which he drove to Indianapolis.

On Jan. 12, 2025, Lewis was arrested at a local hotel after tagging Clark in multiple social media posts containing explicit and sexually violent content. Court records state that Lewis used X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to send threatening and sexually explicit messages to Caitlin Clark. In response, the FBI issued an emergency request to the platform to obtain details linked to his account.

Among the alarming messages were statements like, "I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench," and "They said I was sending threatening texts..but the only though on my mind was....CAITLIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN," as reported by ESPN.

Courtroom Chaos and a Shocking Plea

During his arraignment, Lewis startled the courtroom by repeatedly shouting, "Guilty as charged!" and insisting he did not want to be released saying, "I don't want bond, bail, whatever," he declared. "I'm here. I'm staying," as reported by NBC News.

His behavior in court raised concerns about his mental state. When asked if he had a mental illness, he replied, "I need my medicines," according to NBC News, echoing the same response when asked whether he needed legal counsel. Lewis further confirmed that he is unemployed and unable to afford an attorney.

Judge Angela Davis entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, assigned a public defender, and ordered him held on a $50,000 bond. If Lewis were to post bail, he would be required to remain in Indiana and wear a GPS monitor. Davis warned him, "If you violate stay away or no contact orders, the court will revoke your bond," as reported by NBC News.

As part of the court's conditions, Lewis also signed orders agreeing to have no contact with Caitlin Clark and to stay away from both Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse — the latter being where Clark's boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, works as an assistant basketball coach at Butler University.

Impact on Caitlin Clark

Clark, who recently entered the WNBA spotlight, has since had to change her routines and limit her public appearances. According to ESPN, prosecutors say Lewis' actions made her feel "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened," and believe he had the intent to place her in "reasonable fear of sexual battery." The incident raises renewed concerns over the safety of high-profile female athletes.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the gravity of the case, pointing to the moment Lewis traveled across state lines as a pivotal escalation. "The turning point in this investigation was when you saw someone take the affirmative step of going from Texas to Indianapolis," Mears said, as reported by WTHR News.

According to WTHR, 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?"

Caitlyn Clark in 2023 Iowa vs Iowa State Game. Photo by MKC-T under CC BY 2.0.

What's Next for Lewis?

Lewis is being charged with a felony for stalking. If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

As the case unfolds, it's drawing national attention not only for the alarming behavior involved, but also for what it reveals about the growing need to protect public figures, especially women, from online and real-world threats.

References: Alleged Caitlin Clark stalker held on $50K bail at hearing | Man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark says he wants to stay in jail and yells he's 'guilty as charged' in court | No contact order issued for Texas man charged with stalking Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark