Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham have been stalked. They’re far from alone in the WNBA
Summary
Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, players in the WNBA, have experienced stalking incidents involving fans. Stalking is a growing problem for WNBA players, linked to the league’s rising popularity and a broader issue of women being more likely to be stalked than men.Key Facts
- Caitlin Clark was stalked by a 55-year-old man who sent her hundreds of threatening and explicit messages over a month.
- Michael Lewis, her stalker, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after being arrested in Indianapolis.
- Sophie Cunningham also faced a stalking incident in June when a 48-year-old man was arrested for stalking her.
- Other players in women’s basketball, like Paige Bueckers and Syd Colson, have also dealt with stalkers.
- Stalking affects athletes beyond the WNBA; for example, NFL player Aaron Donald was stalked by a woman falsely claiming to be his wife.
- Most fan interactions with players are positive, and respectful fans help maintain a good relationship between players and their supporters.
- Psychology experts explain that fans often form “parasocial” connections with athletes, feeling emotionally connected without real interaction.
- Problems arise when fans forget that athletes are real people, leading to harmful behaviors like stalking.
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