Ex-NBA Player Ben McLemore Sentenced to Over 8 Years for Rape at 2021 Party
PORTLAND, Ore. — Former NBA shooting guard Ben McLemore has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison following his conviction for raping a 21-year-old woman at a private party in Oregon in 2021. The case marks a stunning legal downfall for the former lottery pick, once seen as one of the most promising prospects in professional basketball.
Clackamas County Judge Issues 100-Month Prison Term
Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Michael Wetzel handed down the 100-month sentence on Wednesday after a jury last week found the 32-year-old guilty on three felony counts: rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse. He was acquitted of a second sexual abuse charge.
The assault took place at a party hosted in Lake Oswego, a Portland suburb, at the home of McLemore’s then-teammate, Robert Covington. At the time, both players were members of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Victim Testifies She Was Too Intoxicated to Consent
During the trial, prosecutors argued that McLemore engaged in sexual activity with the victim while she was incapacitated from alcohol consumption and unable to give consent. The woman took the stand and testified that she had no recollection of the sexual encounter until later being informed by others.
McLemore admitted to having sex with the woman but claimed it was consensual, despite acknowledging that both had been drinking heavily at the party. The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution’s argument that the encounter constituted rape under Oregon law due to the victim’s intoxication and inability to consent.
The case drew attention for its complexity, hinging not on physical evidence or witness testimony of force, but on the legal definition of consent and impairment due to alcohol — a growing focal point in sexual assault law.
NBA Career and Rapid Rise to Fame
Ben McLemore first gained national attention as a standout player at the University of Kansas, where his athleticism and shooting ability made him a projected top-10 pick. In 2013, the Sacramento Kings selected him seventh overall in the NBA Draft.
Over nearly a decade in the league, McLemore played for multiple teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Portland Trail Blazers. While he never fully lived up to his draft-day expectations, he carved out a solid role as a perimeter shooter and bench contributor.
His final NBA season was with Portland during the 2021–2022 campaign — the same year the sexual assault took place. After that, McLemore transitioned to international leagues, signing short-term contracts with professional teams in China, Turkey, and various European countries.
From Court to Courtroom: A Career Derailed
The sentencing caps a fall from grace for a player once celebrated for his poise and potential. While McLemore’s NBA career had already appeared to be winding down, the conviction effectively ends any remaining prospects of returning to the league or signing lucrative contracts overseas.
Though Clackamas County prosecutors did not push for the maximum possible sentence, they emphasized that justice for the victim — whose identity is protected under law — remained the priority.
Legal experts note that the case reflects broader cultural and judicial shifts in how consent is evaluated, especially in situations involving alcohol and high-profile defendants.
Public and Legal Reactions
The Portland Trail Blazers have not issued a public comment regarding McLemore’s conviction or sentencing. Nor has the NBA. However, advocates for sexual assault survivors have applauded the outcome, calling it a rare example of accountability for a professional athlete accused of sexual violence.
McLemore’s defense team has not announced whether they plan to appeal the conviction.
The case adds to a growing list of former athletes facing criminal charges after their playing careers, spotlighting the intersection of fame, power, and the criminal justice system.
Source: AP News – Ex-NBA player Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison for rape
