Ben McLemore Sentenced to Prison for Rape

Why this matters: This case highlights the serious consequences of sexual assault and the importance of consent. It also demonstrates that individuals, regardless of their celebrity status, will be held accountable for their actions.

Ben McLemore, a former NBA player drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2013, played for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers. The charges against him stemmed from an incident at a house party in 2021. The trial included testimony from the victim, McLemore, and others present at the party.

The prosecution argued that the sexual encounter was rape, presenting evidence of the victim's incapacitation. The defense maintained that the encounter was consensual, but the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution on most counts.

McLemore's legal team argued that the woman was drunker than McLemore and that the encounter was consensual. However, the jury found him guilty on the majority of charges.

The case was delayed due to McLemore playing basketball overseas, but the Clackamas County Sheriffs office continued their investigation, eventually securing an indictment.

Ben McLemore was found guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of sexual abuse.

The incident occurred at a house party in Lake Oswego at the home of Robert Covington, McLemore's then-teammate.

McLemore claimed the sexual encounter was consensual and that he was also drinking.

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