Verdict for Former NBA Player Ben McLemore
Ben McLemore, a former NBA player, has been convicted of raping a 21-year-old woman during a party at a lake house, a jury in Clackamas County announced on Thursday. The incident occurred when several of his then-teammates from the Portland Trail Blazers were present.
The jury found McLemore, 32, guilty on multiple charges including rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of sexual abuse. However, he was acquitted of an additional count of sexual abuse, according to reports from Portland television station KGW.
Sentencing Scheduled
Sentencing for McLemore is set for Wednesday. District Attorney John Wentworth expressed that the case illustrates the county’s commitment to prosecuting criminal activities, regardless of the perpetrator’s status in the community.
Incident Details
The charges arise from an incident that took place on October 3, 2021, at the home of Trail Blazers teammate Robert Covington. Prosecutors argued that the sexual encounter constituted rape, while McLemore’s defense claimed it was consensual.
Victim’s Testimony
The victim testified that she was incapacitated from heavy drinking and could not provide consent. She described waking up during the assault and feeling frozen in fear, stating that she did not recognize McLemore and felt like a “random person” was violating her.
Defense Claims
McLemore testified he consumed alcohol but maintained the sexual act was consensual. He noted that he and the woman did not speak before, during, or after the incident. His attorney argued that the case should result in an acquittal, suggesting that the reasonable conclusion in a situation involving intoxicated individuals is not guilty.
Final Remarks
The victim made it clear that she did not pursue legal action for financial gain but felt it was necessary to hold McLemore accountable for his actions. McLemore, the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, has played for various NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers. He has since played professionally in Europe and China, recently signing with a team in Turkey.
