Former NBA player Ben McLemore is facing a grim future after being convicted of serious criminal charges stemming from an incident at a 2021 party in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
The 32-year-old was found guilty by a Clackamas County jury of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. However, he was acquitted of one charge of sexual abuse.
The case dates back to October 2021, when McLemore attended a party at the home of Portland Trail Blazers teammate Robert Covington.
According to testimony, the victim, a 21-year-old college student, was heavily intoxicated, passed out on a couch, and was unable to consent to any sexual activity. She later recalled feeling paralyzed with fear and unable to stop what happened.
During the trial, McLemore admitted to drinking that night but maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual. He testified that there was no verbal communication between him and the woman before, during, or after the encounter, and that he left immediately afterward.
Despite his claims of consent, the jury ultimately sided with the victim, finding McLemore guilty on all charges except one count of sexual abuse.
In a statement following his arrest in April 2024, McLemore denied the allegations, asserting that he never pursued a sexual relationship with someone who was unwilling.
He contended that the woman’s claims were untrue and that the encounter was consensual. Despite his defense, the jury’s verdict suggests a different interpretation of the events that transpired.
McLemore, who played for multiple NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets, had a promising career that was overshadowed by this conviction. He spent the 2021-22 season with the Portland Trail Blazers before continuing his professional basketball career internationally, playing in countries such as China, Turkey, and Greece.
The road ahead: Sentencing and legal repercussions
Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2025, and McLemore faces a minimum of eight years and four months in prison. This conviction represents a dramatic fall from grace for the former NBA player, who had once been a promising talent in the league.
Legal experts suggest that McLemore could face an even longer sentence depending on various factors, including his criminal history and the severity of the crime.
Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth emphasized that no one, regardless of fame or status, is above the law. The case has drawn attention to the important issues of consent, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures in maintaining ethical standards, particularly when interacting with others in a party setting.
McLemore’s sentencing will mark the next chapter in this troubling case, which has significantly impacted his career and personal life. His future remains uncertain, and the legal process is expected to continue to unfold in the coming months.
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