WNBA players confront growing safety threats from stalkers

The short version

• Caitlin Clark and teammate Sophie Cunningham both faced stalkers, resulting in arrests and a prison sentence.[The Guardian]
• Other players, including Paige Bueckers, Syd Colson, and Kiki Rice, have also reported stalking incidents or intrusive messages.[The Guardian]
• A league source stated that the WNBA prioritizes player safety and utilizes a three-step response process for reported threats.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Michael Lewis received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence last July after sending hundreds of threatening and sexually explicit messages to Caitlin Clark.[The Guardian]
• Authorities arrested a 48-year-old man in June for stalking Caitlin Clark's teammate Sophie Cunningham.[The Guardian]
• Additional basketball figures, such as Paige Bueckers, Syd Colson, and Kiki Rice, have also been targeted by stalkers or received intrusive messages.[The Guardian]
• According to a league insider, the WNBA maintains a three-tier process to address reported threats and safeguard athletes.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham have been stalked. They’re far from alone in the WNBAThe Guardian - US