A disturbing trend is continuing in women's sports, and the trend needs to stop immediately. Caitlin Clark is the latest women's basketball star to deal with an extremely frightening situation. According to ESPN, a 55-year-old man was arrested on a "felony stalking charge" for allegedly sending the Indiana Fever star "sexually violent messages."
Clark is not the first women's basketball star to deal with this kind of situation. Chicago Sky star Angel Reese previously revealed that she has received disturbing messages as well.
"I think there's a lot of racism when it comes to it," Reese said of what she has heard from some fans of Clark, via her podcast Unapologetically Angel. "And I don't believe she (Clark) stands on any of that. But when it comes to death threats... I'm talking about people coming down to my address, follow me home. It's come down to that. Multiple occasions people have made AI pictures of me, like, naked, literally. They have sent it to my family members. My family members... are sending it to me, like, 'are you naked on Instagram?' It sucks to see that."
Clark and Reese are two of the biggest stars in the WNBA. They are loved by many, but both stars have clearly dealt with frightening messages. The issue also impacts players at the college basketball level, however.
A man was previously arrested after stalking UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers. The man ultimately pleaded guilty to a second-degree charge. Bueckers, the expected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is one of the most popular players in women's college basketball right now. She has plenty of incredible fans who support her, but she has also dealt with the aforementioned disturbing trend.
Clark, Reese and Bueckers certainly aren't the only athletes in women's sports to deal with it either. It is a terrible element that unfortunately comes with the popularity and fame. It goes without saying, but the trend needs to stop. Women's basketball stars shouldn't have to worry about such issues.
ESPN reports that Clark "told police she feared for her safety." The Fever star should be able to be focused on enjoying her offseason rather than having to deal with such fear. Women's college basketball and the WNBA will surely take notice and provide additional safety measures for players.