In a verdict delivered on July 3, 2025, a Clackamas County jury in Oregon discovered former NBA guard Ben McLemore responsible of first-degree rape, first-degree illegal sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse, primarily based on a 2021 incident at a celebration whereas he performed for the Portland Path Blazers.
The Case and Verdict
After an 11-day trial and roughly 10 hours of jury deliberation, McLemore, 32, was convicted of three felony counts and acquitted on a second rely of second-degree sexual abuse.
The fees stem from an incident that occurred in Lake Oswego, Oregon, throughout the early morning hours of October 3, 2021, at a celebration hosted on the dwelling of his then-teammate Robert Covington.
Prosecution’s Account
Prosecutors argued the sufferer was extraordinarily impaired—having vomited earlier within the night, with witnesses describing slurred speech, issue strolling, and bother holding up her head. She ultimately handed out on a lounge sofa round 2 a.m., with McLemore later mendacity on the identical sofa.
In line with the District Lawyer’s workplace, the lady partially regained consciousness at roughly 6 a.m., throughout which McLemore dedicated digital penetration and later sexual activity. She was reportedly “fading out and in” of consciousness and in terror.
In her courtroom testimony, the sufferer mentioned: “You may’t do this to anyone, not to mention anyone that you simply don’t know… I don’t care who you might be.”
Protection Assertion and McLemore’s Response
McLemore maintained from the outset that the sexual encounter was consensual. In an announcement shared final yr, he mentioned: “I didn’t rape this lady. I’m not sexually abusive. I’ve by no means pursued a sexual relationship once I understood the lady was not all for me and performing willingly.”
Throughout his testimony at trial, McLemore claimed that the lady woke him by touching him, and that he left the residence instantly afterwards. He testified he had no dialog together with her earlier than, throughout, or after the encounter.
Protection attorneys argued the case was about two folks getting drunk, and the person being drunker than the lady. In line with courtroom filings, legal professional Lisa Maxfield urged the jury that the one affordable verdict was not responsible in such circumstances.
Feedback from Prosecuting Authorities
Clackamas County District Lawyer John Wentworth emphasised the case sends a transparent message: “Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my workplace prosecutes felony acts whatever the offender’s neighborhood standing.”
Authorized Course of Overview
A Clackamas County grand jury indicted McLemore in February 2024, after listening to testimony from the sufferer and others. He was arrested by U.S. Marshals in April 2024.
McLemore had pled not responsible to all 4 counts earlier than the trial. The conviction on three counts marks a critical turning level within the case.
Sentencing and Potential Sentence
McLemore faces sentencing on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. PT in Clackamas County Circuit Court docket.
Beneath Oregon legislation, first-degree rape and first-degree illegal sexual penetration carry necessary minimal sentences of roughly 100 months (about 8.3 years), as much as 20 years. Second-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony with as much as 5 years in jail.
Impression on McLemore’s Profession and Popularity
McLemore was drafted seventh total in 2013 by the Sacramento Kings and spent 9 seasons within the NBA with a number of groups together with the Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers, and Path Blazers. He final performed within the NBA throughout the 2021–22 season earlier than shifting abroad to play in China, Greece, Spain and Turkey.
The conviction marks a devastating blow to each his skilled basketball profession and public popularity, as a once-promising NBA guard falls from grace.
Broader Points Raised by the Case
Sufferer advocates and authorized analysts word that this case underscores important points round consent, intoxication, and the way courts deal with allegations involving movie star or athlete standing. The sufferer testified she pursued the felony case not for monetary acquire however on precept: “you’ll be able to’t do this to anyone, not to mention anyone that you simply don’t know.”
The prosecution’s assertion that intoxication negated consent highlights ongoing debates about how severely courts deal with instances the place one celebration is incapacitated. The proof offered included photographs of the sufferer slumped over a bathroom and handed out on a sofa.
Subsequent Steps and Sentencing Outlook
The sentencing listening to on July 9 might be essential. Prosecutors might push for a sentence close to the necessary minimal for the Class A felonies; the protection might request leniency. McLemore’s lack of prior felony document could possibly be an element, although the severity of the offenses looms giant.
After sentencing, McLemore could also be eligible for enchantment. However given the jury’s verdict and the consistency of testimony, overturning the conviction could be difficult.
Conclusion
Ben McLemore’s conviction represents a pivotal second within the justice system’s engagement with high-profile defendants. The Clackamas County jury clearly rejected his model of occasions, siding with the sufferer’s account and the prosecutor’s portrayal of utmost intoxication and incapacitation.
This case will doubtless stay a reference level in insurance policies and coaching round consent, significantly in litigation involving alcohol-impaired people. It additionally serves as a cautionary story for skilled athletes about private conduct and accountability.
As McLemore awaits sentencing, the fallout will proceed throughout the basketball world, authorized circles, and public discourse on sexual violence and accountability.
