Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Found Guilty of Sexual Assault

A jury in Oregon has convicted former NBA guard Ben McLemore of raping a 21-year-old woman during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 11-day trial in Clackamas County included 10 hours of jury deliberation.

McLemore, 32, faced charges of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse. He was acquitted of a second count of second-degree sexual abuse. The player maintained his innocence, pledging not guilty to all charges, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for next Wednesday.

Prosecutors described the incident occurring on October 3, 2021, at a party hosted by McLemore’s then-teammate Robert Covington. The victim, intoxicated and disoriented, was found passed out on a couch around 2 a.m. The following morning, McLemore allegedly woke her and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts while she was still unconscious. She later sought medical attention for sexual assault.

McLemore’s legal team argued that the encounter was consensual, suggesting that both parties were intoxicated, with McLemore allegedly being even more intoxicated than the victim. His attorney claimed that, given the circumstances, the jury should find him not guilty.

Following his arrest in April 2024, McLemore has expressed hope that the truth would emerge. He has not played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season and has since played professionally in China, Greece, Spain, and Turkey, including last season with Yukatel Merkezefendi while awaiting trial.