Former NBA player Ben McLemore has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 3, 2021, when McLemore was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. According to reports, the victim, a woman residing in Lake Oswego, Oregon, reported the assault on the day it happened, prompting an investigation by the local police.
The case remained under investigation for nearly three years, a delay attributed to McLemore’s frequent travel as he played professional basketball overseas and the complexities involved in gathering sufficient evidence. It wasn’t until February 2024 that a Clackamas County grand jury decided to indict McLemore, leading to an arrest warrant being issued. McLemore was apprehended on April 9, 2024, at the Portland International Airport upon his return to the United States.
McLemore, who is now 31 years old, has denied the allegations, asserting that the sexual encounter in question was consensual. In a public statement, he emphasized his cooperation with the authorities throughout the investigation. He also expressed his frustration at not being allowed to testify before the grand jury and claimed that neither he nor his legal team has been provided with any reports or evidence from the prosecution. Despite the serious nature of the charges, McLemore has maintained his innocence, stating his belief that the truth will eventually come to light and clear his name.
The news of McLemore’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the sports community, as he had a notable career in the NBA, playing for nine seasons with teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers. McLemore was selected seventh overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Kings after a standout college career at Kansas. Known for his three-point shooting ability, he averaged 9.0 points per game over 556 NBA games. His last season in the NBA was with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021–2022 season.
The case has drawn attention not only because of McLemore’s former status as an NBA player but also due to the nature of the allegations and the legal proceedings that are expected to follow. Legal experts note that cases like this, involving high-profile individuals, often bring complex challenges in terms of public perception and the management of legal strategies. McLemore’s defense will likely focus on challenging the credibility of the allegations and the evidence presented by the prosecution, while the prosecution will seek to demonstrate that the charges are substantiated by the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The arrest and upcoming legal battle have also sparked discussions around the broader issue of sexual assault in sports, with advocates stressing the importance of supporting survivors and ensuring that allegations are thoroughly investigated regardless of the accused’s status. As the case moves forward, both McLemore’s supporters and those standing by the accuser will be watching closely, with the potential for significant legal and social implications depending on the outcome.
In the meantime, McLemore remains in custody at the Clackamas County Jail, awaiting further court proceedings. His arraignment in Clackamas County Circuit Court was held on April 10, 2024, where he faced the formal reading of the charges. As the legal process unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the specifics of the case and the evidence that led to McLemore’s indictment and subsequent arrest. The next steps will likely involve pre-trial motions, discovery, and potentially a trial if the case is not resolved beforehand.
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