Stalker Sentenced to 2.5 Years for Harassing Iowa Basketball Star Caitlin Clark

A Texas man who admitted to stalking Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison.

Michael Lewis, 55, was ordered to serve his time at the Marion County Jail and stay away from Clark and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He will also have no internet access while serving his sentence.

After his sentencing, the judge recommended that Lewis seek mental health treatment back in Texas.

Clark approved of the plea agreement, according to the prosecution.

"This resolution ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his threatening actions, the fear he instilled, and the disruption he caused. He will now spend the next two and a half years in the Department of Correction and the victim will be able to have peace of mind while focusing on what matters to her."

Lewis was arrested for stalking Clark outside a hotel in January after sending sexually-explicit messages to her through social media.

During his court appearance, Lewis' odd behavior drew attention. At one point, the judge interrupted proceedings to ask him, "What are you putting in your mouth? You cannot take drugs in the courtroom." Lewis claimed he was only chewing on his headphone cable.

Lewis previously described his posts as "my imagination getting away from me" and compared the situation to a game of telephone. However, before being sentenced, he made a series of unrelated statements about economic collapse, war, and Jesus.