Ben McLemore sentenced to more than 8 years in prison after rape conviction

Former NBA player Ben McLemore has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison following a conviction on sexual assault and rape charges, according to TMZ. A jury found him guilty last week.

McLemore was accused of raping a 21-year-old woman during a party at former Portland Trail Blazers player Robert Covington’s home in October 2021. He was arrested in April 2024 on a first-degree rape charge.

McLemore continued to defend himself, saying he did not rape the woman. Following his arraignment in April 2024, he released a statement maintaining his innocence.

“The charges I was handed in court yesterday appear to allege that in 2021 I had sex with a woman who was too intoxicated to consent,” McLemore wrote. “I am not accused of using physical force to rape someone. Rather, I am accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone who now claims she did not consent. I did not rape this woman. I am not sexually abusive. I have never pursued a sexual relationship when I understood the woman was not interested in me and acting willingly. The allegation dates back to October of 2021, during a time I played in Portland. It will take some time for us to uncover the facts.

“At this time, the prosecution has not provided my attorneys with any reports or evidence. My attorneys and I cooperated fully with the investigation. I met every request they made of me, immediately and professionally. I indicated that I was interested in testifying in the grand jury but was refused that opportunity. When my attorneys were informed of the charges, we immediately made plans for me to return to the United States for the first court appearance – and informed all law enforcement authorities and the Court of my travel plan. I could not have done more to assist in the process. The truth will come to light. I am confident we will prevail and my name will be cleared. Thank you all for your support. I appreciate all of you and am confident this will turn out as it should.”

A jury in Oregon found McLemore guilty of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and a count of second-degree sexual abuse, according to KGW8 News in Portland. McLemore was also found not guilty on an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse.

Ben McLemore played one year of college basketball at Kansas before heading to the NBA, where he played nine years. The Sacramento Kings drafted him No. 7 overall in 2013 and he later played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and Trail Blazers until 2022.