Ex-NBA Star Ben McLemore Sentenced for Rape \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Former NBA player Ben McLemore was sentenced to 100 months in prison following his conviction for rape and sexual assault stemming from a 2021 party. The charges involve a 21-year-old woman who said she was too intoxicated to consent. McLemore, who last played for the Portland Trail Blazers, now faces years behind bars.
Quick Looks
- Former NBA player Ben McLemore sentenced to 100 months in prison
- Convicted of rape, unlawful sexual penetration, sexual abuse
- Charges stem from a 2021 party in Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Victim testified she was incapacitated by alcohol
- Defense claimed consensual encounter, jury disagreed
- Incident occurred at home of teammate Robert Covington
- McLemore was found not guilty on one sexual abuse charge
- Once a top-10 NBA draft pick, career ended in 2022
- Played for Kings, Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers, Blazers
- Most recently played pro basketball overseas
Deep Look
Ben McLemore’s Sentencing Marks a Stunning Fall From NBA Stardom to Prison
What began as a promising NBA career has ended in infamy for former professional basketball player Ben McLemore, who was sentenced this week to more than eight years in prison after being found guilty of rape and sexual abuse. The charges stemmed from a 2021 party held at the home of a then-teammate, and the conviction represents one of the most high-profile athlete criminal cases in recent years.
On Wednesday, July 10, Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Michael Wetzel sentenced McLemore to 100 months in prison—just over eight years—after a jury convicted him of rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse involving a 21-year-old woman who said she was too intoxicated to consent.
The conviction marked a catastrophic collapse for a former top-10 NBA Draft pick, once heralded as one of the league’s most promising young shooting guards.
The Incident: A Party That Ended in Allegations
The assault occurred in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, during a party hosted by Robert Covington, McLemore’s then-teammate on the Portland Trail Blazers. The victim, 21 at the time, testified during the trial that she was severely intoxicated and incapable of giving consent. She recalled waking up confused, distressed, and assaulted.
McLemore, who was also drinking, maintained that the encounter was entirely consensual, but the prosecution presented evidence and testimony suggesting otherwise. A jury found the evidence compelling enough to convict him on multiple felony counts, although he was acquitted on one sexual abuse charge.
The Legal Proceedings and Trial Outcome
The trial, which concluded last week, drew public attention due to McLemore’s professional background and the serious nature of the charges. Prosecutors from Clackamas County emphasized that intoxication rendered the victim unable to consent, a key component in securing the rape conviction.
After multiple days of testimony and jury deliberation, the guilty verdict was returned. Judge Wetzel’s sentencing of 100 months reflected both the severity of the crime and Oregon’s mandatory sentencing guidelines for sexual offenses.
McLemore’s legal team described the charges as “unsubstantiated” and expressed disappointment with the outcome. As of now, there’s no official confirmation on whether they plan to appeal the ruling.
McLemore’s Career: From Kansas Star to NBA Journeyman
Ben McLemore’s rise began at the University of Kansas, where his shooting ability and athleticism made him a standout college player. In 2013, he was selected as the 7th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Draft. Seen as a potential franchise cornerstone, McLemore showed flashes of promise but never fully developed into a consistent NBA star.
Over the next decade, he played for several NBA teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and finally the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021-2022 season. Known for his perimeter shooting, McLemore was a reliable role player but failed to live up to the lofty expectations set early in his career.
After exiting the NBA, McLemore continued his career overseas, playing professionally in Turkey, China, and Europe. His playing days, however, are almost certainly over due to the nature of his conviction and the length of his sentence.
Public Response and Impact on the NBA Community
The conviction has shocked portions of the NBA community, especially as McLemore was not previously associated with off-court misconduct during his professional tenure. His sentencing adds to a growing list of athletes facing legal accountability for sexual assault and abuse—issues that professional sports leagues continue to grapple with.
While the NBA has not released an official statement, the case reflects ongoing societal scrutiny toward high-profile figures and the necessity of holding athletes to the same legal standards as any other citizen.
The Portland Trail Blazers, McLemore’s team at the time of the incident, have also remained silent on the ruling. Robert Covington, whose home was the site of the party, was never implicated and is not considered involved in the case.
Victim Impact and Legal Precedent
For the survivor, the trial has been a long and public journey through Oregon’s criminal justice system. Advocates for victims of sexual assault have pointed to the conviction as a sign that justice can be achieved, even when the accused is a public figure with significant financial and legal resources.
The outcome reinforces a key legal precedent: intoxication eliminates the capacity to consent, and any encounter under those conditions can constitute rape under Oregon law. Prosecutors argued effectively that power dynamics, fame, and alcohol mixed to create a situation of coercion and abuse.
What Happens Next?
With McLemore now facing incarceration, his professional future is bleak. His eligibility for parole and release will depend on Oregon’s sentencing structure and his conduct while in prison, but it’s likely he will serve a majority, if not the entirety, of his sentence.
Given the felony conviction, McLemore may also face travel restrictions, the loss of civil liberties such as voting rights, and difficulty securing future employment, should he seek work outside of basketball.
He is also now part of the national registry of sex offenders, which will remain in effect for many years, possibly for life.
Conclusion: The Fall of a Promising Athlete
Ben McLemore’s story is now one of talent squandered and choices with devastating consequences. His name, once printed on NBA jerseys and box scores, is now associated with a serious felony conviction.
In an age where accountability is increasingly demanded across all sectors of society, the outcome of this case sends a powerful message: celebrity and athletic fame do not place anyone above the law.
The story is a sobering reminder of the responsibility athletes bear both on and off the court—and how a single night can irrevocably alter the course of many lives.
Ex-NBA Star Ben Ex-NBA Star Ben
You must Register or Login to post a comment.