Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Found Guilty in Oregon Sexual Assault Case

Ben McLemore, a former NBA guard and once-prominent athlete, has been found guilty of rape and sexual abuse by an Oregon jury following an 11-day trial stemming from a 2021 incident. The verdict, delivered after approximately ten hours of jury deliberation in Clackamas County, marks a dramatic and troubling turn in the life of the 32-year-old ex-Portland Trail Blazers player, whose career spanned nearly a decade in the league.

McLemore was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse in connection with an assault reported in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He was acquitted of an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse. The charges arose from a report filed on October 3, 2021, when a woman came forward alleging that McLemore had assaulted her while she was incapacitated after a night of heavy drinking.

The survivor testified that she had passed out on a couch in the early morning hours and later regained partial consciousness to find McLemore sexually penetrating her with his fingers, followed by intercourse. Prosecutors argued that she was unable to consent due to her level of intoxication, describing the act as non-consensual and deeply violating. Clackamas County prosecutor Scott Healy presented the account in court, underscoring the woman’s vulnerability at the time of the attack.

McLemore, who pled not guilty to all charges, maintained through his legal team that the encounter was consensual. His attorneys claimed that both parties had been drinking, but that the woman was sober enough to make decisions and that she initiated the contact. They disputed the timeline and circumstances, suggesting inconsistencies in the woman's recollection.

Despite those defenses, the jury returned a verdict holding McLemore criminally responsible. He now faces sentencing, scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 at 9:30 a.m. PT, which could carry significant prison time.

In a strong statement following the conviction, District Attorney John Wentworth emphasized the importance of accountability, especially when high-profile individuals are involved. “This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender’s community status,” he said. “Celebrity does not place someone above the law.”

McLemore was initially indicted by a Clackamas County grand jury in February 2024, after months of investigation and witness testimony. An arrest warrant was issued, and McLemore was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals two months later. His legal team has yet to respond publicly to the conviction.

Drafted seventh overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, McLemore built a career across multiple franchises, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers. Following his departure from the NBA in 2022, he pursued a professional basketball career abroad, playing in China, Greece, and Spain.

The verdict not only brings justice to the survivor but also underscores the broader message that fame and professional accolades offer no immunity from consequences. As McLemore awaits sentencing, the case stands as a reminder of the legal system’s responsibility to protect all victims—regardless of the social status of their abuser.