Former NBA player Ben McLemore was found guilty on July 3 of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman at a party in 2021, according to a verdict from Clackamas County in Oregon. McLemore was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree illegal sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse, with sentencing scheduled for July 9.
The assault occurred during a party on October 3, 2021, when McLemore was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the final chapter of his nine-year NBA career. Prosecutor Scott Healy explained that the victim was heavily intoxicated and unconscious that night, having consumed fewer drinks than usual but still vomiting early on, which impaired her mobility and speech. She was found unconscious on a couch in a large living room around 2 a.m., where McLemore later lay beside her before assaulting her.
After realizing what had happened, the victim sought a professional medical exam for sexual assault. The prosecution emphasized that McLemore must be held accountable, stating, “You cannot do this to someone and get away with it, no matter who you are.” McLemore’s defense argued that the sexual contact was consensual, but the jury disagreed.
The district attorney also addressed concerns about celebrity status potentially influencing prosecution, affirming that there is no tolerance for such crimes regardless of the offender’s standing in the community. Ben McLemore, a former Kansas college star, was drafted seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2013. Throughout his NBA career, he played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Since fall 2022, he has been playing in Spain and was arrested upon returning to the U.S. in 2024.
Fan Take: This verdict is a stark reminder that no athlete is above the law, and it underscores the importance of accountability in professional sports. For basketball fans, it highlights the need for the league and its teams to foster a culture of respect and responsibility off the court, which is critical for the sport’s integrity moving forward.
