An alarming incident has surfaced from the world of women's college basketball, centering around University of Connecticut (UConn) star Paige Bueckers. Recent reports indicate Robert Cole Parmalee, a 40-year-old man from Oregon, has been arrested for allegedly stalking and harassing the young athlete over several months. His troubling actions, revealed through multiple communications and online posts, have raised significant concerns over the safety of the athlete and her associates.
The situation escalated Monday when Parmalee faced charges of electronic stalking, harassment, and breach of peace during his appearance before an online judge. Accusations against him began earlier this summer, with UConn’s communications department getting wind of troubling emails sent by Parmalee. He apparently described himself as a member of the royal family, expressing his intention to marry the basketball player. Such bizarre claims hinted at his obsession with Bueckers, who is widely regarded as one of the top talents in collegiate basketball.
Authorities reported Parmalee had contacted UConn staff various times this summer, prompting university police to investigate. According to records, the emails contained “rambling comments” which included bizarre references to Greek mythology, wherein he likened himself to Apollo, seeking to marry Bueckers, who he compared to Athena. The strange narratives didn't stop there; police noted alarming social media activity as Parmalee made several concerning posts, one of which threatened Bueckers’ friends and family.
Among these posts was a particularly harrowing declaration he made on his TikTok account, ominously stating: “And if I cannot live with a woman of my choosing, [Bueckers], then I will choose to die, and I will choose to take all of you who oppose me, oppose us, to hell, and return, king...” Such threats have understandably led Bueckers to express fears for her safety, leading her to file statements with the UConn police.
On August 27, things took another turn when Parmalee was arrested by state police near the Bradley International Airport, situated approximately 30 miles from UConn’s campus. Initially spotted wandering along the highway, he told authorities he was traveling to meet Bueckers. Upon his arrest, officers discovered he had active warrants from Oregon for arson, where he was accused of attempting to burn down his home with his roommate inside. Fortunately, subsequent reports indicated these charges might be dismissed.
The alarmingly odd behavior didn’t end there. After his arrest, investigators found both lingerie and what appeared to be wedding-related paraphernalia, including engagement rings and fake wedding invitations, during a search of his belongings. Further disturbances included the claim of having fathered “over 17,000 children,” adding to the already bizarre portrait painted of Parmalee’s mental state.
Following the court hearing, Parmalee remains detained on $100,000 bond. If he is granted bail, he’s under strict orders prohibiting contact with Bueckers and barring him from entering Mansfield, Connecticut, where the university is based. Legal experts have noted the significance of the stalking charge, which is classified as felony-level, indicating how seriously authorities are treating these threats.
Bueckers, who has been recognized as the Naismith National Player of the Year and is seen as the likely first overall pick for the upcoming WNBA Draft, has refrained from commenting publicly on the distressing situation. UConn officials, including her coach Geno Auriemma and teammates, have also chosen silence on the matter, possibly as part of adhering to legal guidelines and prioritizing Bueckers' safety.
The incident has sparked conversations about the support systems and measures surrounding athletes at the collegiate level, particularly female athletes who may face different challenges when it includes public attention and unwanted advances. Discussions arise as to how institutions can bolster their protective frameworks to shield students from harassment.
Having gained notoriety for his unsettling fixation on Bueckers, Parmalee's next court appearance is slated for October 22, where the legal proceedings will continue to unravel the extent of his intentions and the responses needed to safeguard Bueckers and other potential victims.
Now, as the legal process takes its course, the entire basketball community is holding its breath to see how this unsettling chapter plays out for the star athlete. The case underlines not only individual struggles but also systemic issues related to stalking, harassment, and the responsibility of maintaining athlete welfare.
