Former NBA player Ben McLemore has been found guilty of multiple sex abuse charges stemming from an incident in 2021. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, July 3, 2025, after an 11-day trial in Clackamas County, Oregon, where a jury convicted McLemore of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. He was acquitted on a second count of sexual abuse.
The case centers on an event that took place on October 3, 2021, at a party held at the home of Robert Covington, a then-teammate of McLemore on the Portland Trail Blazers. The victim, a 21-year-old woman at the time, testified that she attended the party, became heavily intoxicated, and passed out. She awoke to find McLemore sexually assaulting her and was unable to consent to any sexual activity due to her level of intoxication.
According to Kyle Iboshi of KGW 8 in Portland, the victim's testimony was a crucial element in the jury's decision. Prosecutors argued that the sexual encounter was non-consensual because the victim was incapacitated by alcohol. In contrast, McLemore’s defense maintained that the encounter was consensual, asserting that both parties had been drinking and that no force was used. Defense attorney Lisa Maxfield stated in closing arguments, "The only reasonable verdict in a case where two people get drunk and have sex and the man is drunker than the woman, the only reasonable verdict in a case like that is not guilty." However, the jury found otherwise.
McLemore, 32, took the stand during the trial and admitted to heavy drinking on the night in question. He insisted that the sexual encounter was consensual and testified that there was no communication between him and the woman before, during, or after the incident. He also said he left the premises immediately afterward.
Following his arrest in April 2024, McLemore released a statement denying the allegations. He said, "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. 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." Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty on three of the four felony charges.
Ben McLemore’s basketball career spanned nearly a decade, beginning with his collegiate play at the University of Kansas before being selected as a first-round draft pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Over the years, he played for several NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and finally the Portland Trail Blazers. His last NBA season was the 2021-22 campaign with the Blazers, after which he pursued opportunities internationally.
During his time with Portland, McLemore averaged just over 10 points per game. The incident that led to his conviction occurred while he was still an active player on the team. The conviction has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over his professional legacy.
The legal proceedings were closely followed by local media, with KOIN and KPTV among those reporting extensively on the trial. The case has sparked conversations about consent, alcohol, and accountability within professional sports communities.
Sentencing for McLemore is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The outcome of that hearing will determine the extent of the legal consequences he faces for his convictions. As the legal process continues, the community and fans alike await the resolution of a case that has stirred significant attention.
McLemore’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the serious repercussions of sexual misconduct allegations, especially in the high-profile world of professional sports. The verdict also underscores the challenges courts face when alcohol and consent intersect, highlighting the critical importance of clear communication and respect in all interactions.
As this story develops, media outlets will continue to provide updates on McLemore’s sentencing and any further legal actions. Meanwhile, the victim’s courage in coming forward and testifying has been noted as a pivotal factor in bringing the case to its conclusion.
Former NBA star Ben McLemore’s guilty verdict marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue around sexual assault in sports, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of fame or status, is above the law.
