Ex-NBA Player Ben McLemore Found Guilty of First-Degree Rape

Former Portland Trail Blazers player Ben McLemore has been found guilty of raping a woman at 2021 house party.

The verdict was announced Thursday morning (July 3), more than a year after the 32-year-old guard was arrested on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A jury found McLemore guilty of all charges, except for one count of second-degree sexual abuse. 

McLemore, who has also previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, was accused of assaulting a 21-year-old woman at the home of his former teammate Robert Covington. The woman testified during the 11-day trial that she was too inebriated to consent to sex.

"My body felt locked," she told jurors, as reported by Live Mint. "I thought if I played dead, it might stop."

McLemore pleaded not guilty to the charges, arguing he, too, had been drinking that night, and the sexual encounter was consensual. He addressed the allegations in a 2024 statement shortly after his arrest.

"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," he 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."

He continued: "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."

According to Live Mint, McLemore faces eight years in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 9.