Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Found Guilty of Rape

Ben McLemore, a former NBA guard, was convicted of rape by an Oregon jury on Thursday. The 32-year-old, who previously played for the Portland Trail Blazers, faced accusations stemming from an incident in 2021. This verdict came after an 11-day trial in Clackamas County.

McLemore, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, was found guilty of first-degree rape, unlawful sexual intrusion, and second-degree sexual abuse.

Interestingly, he was acquitted of two additional sexual abuse charges. A spokesperson noted the importance of holding all individuals accountable, regardless of their celebrity status, highlighting that the case reflects a commitment to prosecuting crimes consistently.

The events in question took place in October 2021 in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Following a complaint, McLemore was identified as a suspect by law enforcement. In February 2024, testimony was presented that included the account of a woman claiming McLemore had assaulted her, leading to his arrest two months later.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting that the victim had become partially conscious after an episode of unconsciousness. They stated that McLemore had engaged in sexual acts without her consent. In contrast, McLemore’s defense argued that the woman had initiated the contact and expressed consent.

Originally from Kansas, McLemore enjoyed a nine-season NBA career, with stints at various teams including the Sacramento Kings.

He played most recently for the Blazers in the 2021-22 season after bouncing back with teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets.