Ben McLemore, former NBA player and Portland Trail Blazer, has been sentenced to over eight years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault stemming from a 2021 incident.
The 32-year-old was found guilty last week of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second degree sexual abuse. The crimes took place during a house party in Lake Oswego, Oregon, hosted at the home of fellow NBA player Robert Covington, McLemore’s teammate at the time.
Wearing a black and white jail uniform, Ben McLemore was sentenced on Wednesday to 100 months behind bars.
Trial Details and Victim Testimony1
Throughout the two-and-a-half week trial, prosecutors argued that the victim, a 21-year-old woman, was incapacitated due to excessive alcohol consumption and unable to provide consent. She testified that she had no memory of consenting and felt violated after the incident.
Ben McLemore claimed that the encounter was consensual, though he admitted both he and the victim had been drinking. The jury rejected that defense, finding him guilty on all counts except one of the sexual abuse charges.
Reaction and Context
The sentencing marks a major fall from grace for Ben McLemore, once known for his athleticism and NBA presence. The case has drawn attention not only due to his sports career but also because of growing scrutiny over sexual misconduct by public figures.
McLemore played for several NBA teams during his career, including the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazer.
