In the world of professional sports, where drama on the court often spills into the headlines, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark’s recent stalker saga has thrown a spotlight on an unsettling silence—both from the league and its players. Conservative columnist Bobby Burack has wasted no time calling out what he sees as glaring inconsistencies in how similar incidents are addressed.
Burack, a writer for OutKick, didn’t pull punches in his latest piece, slamming the media and WNBA personalities for their lack of commentary on Clark’s stalker case. The alleged stalker, Michael Thomas Lewis, was arrested Sunday after a bizarre two-week campaign of harassment that ended with him appearing in Indianapolis to confront the Indiana Fever guard in person.
From Tweets to Threats: The Lewis Saga
Lewis, a 55-year-old Texas native, seemingly mistook Twitter (or X, as we’re now forced to call it) for his personal fantasy playground. Between December 16, 2024, and January 2, 2025, he bombarded Clark with sexually explicit messages and threats. If that wasn’t enough, he decided to up the ante by stalking her in real life.
Prosecutors revealed that Lewis’s behavior left Clark feeling “terrorized and threatened,” leading her to alter her public appearances and even her movement patterns. The legal system moved swiftly—Lewis pleaded guilty on Tuesday. Meanwhile, prosecutors are pushing for a restraining order to keep him far, far away from Clark, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and even Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Clark’s partner happens to coach.
Lewis, for his part, denied any harmful intent, claiming he just wanted to live out his “fantasy” of a relationship with the basketball star. Because nothing says “romantic” quite like sending threats on social media, right?
Media Silence: A Deafening Whisper
Burack’s critique wasn’t just aimed at the WNBA—it was a broadside against media giants like ESPN and outlets like The New York Times. He pointed out how quickly they vilified Clark last season for not speaking out when Angel Reese’s teammate, Chennedy Carter, faced online hate. Yet now, with Clark as the victim of a stalker, the same platforms seem to have misplaced their outrage.
“Where are the ESPNers who dragged Clark for not using her platform to combat online hate? Why isn’t this getting the same energy?” Burack asked, adding a hefty dose of sarcasm to drive home his point.
And he’s not wrong. The league, often vocal about social issues, has yet to issue any statement on Clark’s ordeal. If this isn’t the time to rally around a player, when is?
Clark’s Rising Star and the Price of Fame
Caitlin Clark has had a meteoric rise since her rookie season, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA. But with fame comes its dark side, as Clark is unfortunately discovering.
While fans flock to her games to watch her break ankles and drain threes, there’s a need for the league to step up its security measures. Clark isn’t just a player—she’s a brand, a beacon for the sport. If the WNBA wants to protect its stars and its reputation, it’s time for action.
A Tale of Two Scandals
Burack’s comparison to last season’s harassment of Carter and DiJonai Carrington underscores a troubling double standard. When Clark was perceived as silent during her colleagues’ struggles, the media pounced. Now, with Clark on the receiving end of harassment, there’s a conspicuous lack of noise.
“Double standards, anyone?” Burack quipped in his piece, urging the league to not just acknowledge the incident but to also implement stronger safety protocols.
The Bigger Picture
This case serves as a sobering reminder: online harassment can escalate into real-life danger. The WNBA, its players, and its fans can’t afford to ignore this reality. If the league wants to maintain its reputation as a progressive force, it’s time to break the silence—before it’s too late.