Former NBA guard Ben McLemore has been sentenced to 100 months – slightly over eight years – in Oregon state prison. The sentencing follows his conviction for the rape of a 21-year-old woman at a house party in 2021.
McLemore, who last played in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022, received the sentence in Clackamas County Circuit Court. A jury found him guilty of one count of first-degree rape and one count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration. He was acquitted on one count of second-degree sexual abuse. McLemore had maintained a plea of not guilty to all charges but did not address the court during the sentencing hearing.
The charges originated from a report filed regarding a sexual assault that took place on October 3, 2021, in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The incident occurred at the residence of McLemore`s former Trail Blazers teammate, Robert Covington. Law enforcement initiated an investigation soon after the report, identifying McLemore as a suspect.
Clackamas County First Assistant District Attorney Scott Healy commented on the case, stating, `Many people are often afraid to report this type of conduct for a number of reasons. Hopefully, the victim’s strength and courage in this case will give others the fortitude to come forward in circumstances where sexual assault has occurred.` He added that the sentence serves as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated and that prosecutors will work to hold offenders accountable.
Evidence, including testimony from the victim detailing the sexual assault, was presented to a Clackamas County grand jury in February 2024. This led to an indictment and the issuance of an arrest warrant for McLemore. United States Marshals arrested the former guard two months later.
During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the victim’s account. She testified that she had been drinking heavily at the party and had passed out in the living room early in the morning, only to regain consciousness as McLemore was having sex with her.
McLemore`s legal team argued that the sexual encounter was consensual and initiated by the victim. They contended that despite the presence of intoxication for both parties, the victim was sufficiently sober to provide consent.
Ben McLemore was originally the No. 7 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings after one collegiate season at Kansas. His NBA career included stints with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Trail Blazers. Following his time in the NBA, he played professionally in China, Greece, and Spain. Most recently, he was listed as playing in the Basketball Super League in Turkey. His career trajectory has now taken a stark turn, leading to significant prison time rather than international play.
Jasper Hawthorne