Former NBA Player Sentenced for Sexual Assault
In a disturbing case that has gripped the community, former NBA player Ben McLemore was sentenced on Wednesday to 100 months in state prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at a Lake Oswego party in 2021. The ruling came from a jury in Clackamas County Circuit Court, which found McLemore guilty of one count of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. Notably, he was acquitted on another charge of second-degree sexual abuse.
Details of the Case
McLemore, who has not been on an NBA roster since 2022, maintains his innocence, having pleaded not guilty to all allegations. During the proceedings, the jury heard harrowing testimony from the victim, who explained that she had been drinking heavily and had passed out on a couch, only to awaken the next morning to the assault.
Prosecutor Scott Healy emphasized the importance of the victim’s bravery, stating, “Many people are often afraid to report this type of conduct for a number of reasons. Hopefully, the victim’s strength and courage in this case will give others the fortitude to come forward in circumstances where sexual assault has occurred.”
The incident occurred at the home of Robert Covington, McLemore’s former teammate on the Portland Trail Blazers, on October 3, 2021. Following the allegation, a grand jury issued an indictment against McLemore in early 2024, leading to his arrest by U.S. Marshals two months later.
Defense and Impact
The defense attempted to undermine the victim’s testimony, suggesting she had initiated sexual contact and was sober enough to consent despite both parties being intoxicated. These claims, however, did not persuade the jury. Furthermore, the victim’s emotional video statement highlighted the profound impact of the experience on her life, stating,
“This has been the longest almost four years of my life. I never imagined that reporting this back in 2021 would lead to such an incredibly difficult and long journey.”
Reflecting on the community’s long-standing struggle with sexual assault cases, Healy reiterated that accountability for perpetrators is essential to ensuring victim justice. Meanwhile, McLemore’s attorney, Kristen Winemiller, expressed hopes that lawmakers might consider a “second look” process for evaluating the fairness of the lengthy sentence, suggesting that McLemore’s character outside of the incident should factor into consideration.
McLemore’s Career and Legacy
Once heralded as the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of the University of Kansas, McLemore had a varied professional career, playing with five different NBA teams before eventually moving overseas to compete in China, Greece, and Spain. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the serious repercussions of sexual violence and the ongoing need for support for victims.
