Former NBA guard Ben McLemore was found guilty of first-degree rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse by an Oregon jury after a trial that lasted 11 days. The incident occurred in 2021 while McLemore was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite his plea of not guilty, the jury convicted him on multiple charges, but acquitted him of one count of second-degree sexual abuse. McLemore, who hasn't played in the NBA since 2022, is set to be sentenced on July 9th.
The case, which stemmed from a report of sexual assault in Lake Oswego, Oregon, revealed conflicting testimonies about the events that transpired between McLemore and the victim. While the victim alleged that McLemore assaulted her while she was partially conscious, McLemore's defense claimed that the encounter was consensual. This high-profile trial serves as a reminder that justice is blind to a person's fame or status, as emphasized by Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth. Following his NBA career, McLemore played for professional teams overseas in China, Greece, and Spain after leaving the Trail Blazers.
The conviction of Ben McLemore on serious charges sends shockwaves through the basketball community, tarnishing his once-promising career. Despite his athletic prowess and draft pedigree as the seventh overall pick in 2013, McLemore's involvement in this case has shifted the focus away from his on-court performances. With his sentencing approaching, the outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions on McLemore's reputation and future endeavors, both within and outside of the realm of professional sports.