Former NBA lottery pick Ben McLemore will spend nearly a decade behind bars after his sentencing hearing concluded today in Clackamas County, Oregon. The decision comes after a court found McLemore guilty on several charges related to an October 3, 2021, incident at Lake Oswego, that involved rape and sexual abuse.
“A Clackamas County Circuit Court jury found the 32-year-old McLemore, who hasn’t played in the NBA since 2022, guilty last week on one charge of first-degree rape, one charge of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and one count of second-degree sexual abuse,” wrote Holmes. “The jury didn’t convict McLemore on an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse. McLemore, who was sentenced to 100 months in state prison Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to all four counts.”
The incident goes back to when Ben was still a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. The victim claims that she was attacked by Ben at the home of his teammate, Robert Covington, where he allegedly drugged and raped her before being arrested two months later. Now, the woman’s legal team is speaking out after finally seeing justice.
“Hopefully the victim’s strength and courage in this case will give others the fortitude to come forward in circumstances where sexual assault has occurred,” wrote Clackamas County First Assistant District Attorney Scott Healy. “The sentence the defendant received today should serve as a reminder that this type of conduct will not be tolerated in our community, and that the Clackamas County DA’s Office will always work hard to hold offenders accountable and provide justice to victims.”
NBA players come in all types, and that includes those who don’t abide by the legal system. As an athlete with a job at the highest level of his sport, McLemore probably thought he was above the law, but this case just goes to show that anyone can be held accountable for their actions.
The former NBA sharpshooter was drafted 7th overall in 2013 and showed a lot of promise during his years with the Kings, where he averaged 9.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on 41.6% shooting. Unfortunately, he was never able to live up to expectations, and by the time he went to Portland, his career was over.
Today, the situation is far, far uglier than even Ben could have imagined. He isn’t just out of the league, but he’s now serving time for one of the most serious crimes a person can commit. Sadly, it’s a tale that is far too common in the NBA (like Miles Bridges), and players often learn the hard way that talent does not excuse criminal behavior.
While Ben McLemore’s story once looked like that of a promising young star chasing NBA greatness, it will now be remembered for something far darker. His sentencing not only marks the end of his professional career, but it also serves as a reminder that status and fame do not shield anyone from consequences. Justice was served today, and for his victim, a long and painful chapter may finally begin to close.
