Social media is a wonderful thing. It can connect people who, otherwise, would have no chance of meeting. It can keep you informed, as it seems like every major event around the world ends up at your fingertips.
It can also be a very scary, dangerous place.
ESPN reported Monday that a 55-year-old man was arrested in Indianapolis on Sunday, allegedly having sent "sexually violent" messages to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Michael Lewis, a Texas native, allegedly sent numerous messages on X (Twitter), including one that stated he had been driving past Clark's home three times per day.
Clark told Indianapolis police that she "feared for her safety."
Lewis could face up to a $10,000 fine and up to six years in prison.
This incident comes just a month following a 40-year-old man getting arrested in connection with similar stalking behavior against UConn star Paige Bueckers. Clark (22) and Bueckers (23) are both decades younger than their accused tormentors.
Women's basketball, especially at the WNBA level, has erupted over the past year. The WNBA set multiple records for viewership, merchandise sales, and attendance. Clark led the charge, owning the highest-selling jersey and participating in the highest-viewed contests on all major networks that broadcasted WNBA games in 2024.
But this "obsession" is getting out of hand
It's one thing to cheer on your favorite athlete. It isn't uncommon to even idolize them. Names like LeBron James, Christiano Ronaldo, Steph Curry, and Serena Williams all have their fair share of "super-fans." Fandoms sell, and they have become a huge part of sports culture.
Clark, herself, has amassed quite the following. She boasts over 3.5 million followers across social media platforms, and millions more in WNBA viewers. Many young female athletes have looked up to her for what she has done for women's sports, and she has earned this honor.
But threatening an athlete's safety, or making them feal fearful for their life, is a completely different thing entirely.