Former NBA, Kansas player Ben McLemore issues statement following first-degree rape charge
Former NBA player Ben McLemore was charged on counts of first-degree rape and other sex crimes after being arraigned in court on Wednesday.
The three-year long investigation into the allegations against McLemore came to a head on Tuesday after he was arrested by police at the Portland International Airport. The former Kansas star has now released a statement giving his side of the story.
Read the statement below:
“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, via Shams Charania. “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.”
More on the allegations against McLemore
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office revealed that McLemore’s arrest stems from an outstanding warrant and has been booked into the Clackamas County jail. He was arraigned in court on Wednesday afternoon and formally charged.
Lake Oswego Police Department has released a statement saying that the incident occurred on Oct. 3, 2021 while McLemore was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. Thee victim identified McLemore on the same day of the crime and police collected evidence that tied him with the crime.
However, McLemore begun playing basketball internationally around the same time, which caused delays in the investigation and his eventual arrest.
Before this, a grand jury in Clackamas County heard evidence about the case back in February, including testimony from the survivor which led to his arrest at the Portland International Airport on Tuesday.