In the judgment made July 3, 2025Oregon’s Clarkmas County jury found former NBA guard Ben McLemore Convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree illegal sexual penetration and second-degree sexual abuse, which is based on the 2021 incident he played with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Cases and judgments
After 11 days of trial and about 10 hours of jury deliberation, McClemor, 32, was convicted on three felony counts and was acquitted on a second charge of second-degree sexual abuse.
The allegations stem from the incident in Lake Oswego, Oregon, October 3, 2021at a party held at the home of teammate Robert Covington, then.
Prosecuting an account
Prosecutors argued that the victim was greatly damaged – vomiting in the evening, witnesses described the trouble of vague speech, difficulty walking and head-raising. She eventually passed out on the sofa in the living room around 2 a.m., and McClemore later lay on the same sofa.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the woman recovered from consciousness at about 6 a.m., during which time McLemore committed digital penetration and later sexual intercourse. She was reportedly “in and out” due to consciousness and horror.
The victim said in her court testimony: “You can’t do this to someone, let alone people you don’t know…I don’t care who you are.”
Defense Statement and McClemore’s Response
McLemore insisted from the beginning that sexual contact was voluntary. “I didn’t rape this woman. I didn’t have sexual abuse. I never had sex when I learned that women were not interested in me and were willing to act,” he said in a statement shared last year.
In the testimony at the trial, McClemor claims that the woman woke him up by touching him, and he immediately left the residence. He testified that he did not talk to her before, during or after the encounter.
Defense lawyers believe that about two people were drunk in this case, and men were drunk more than women. Attorney Lisa Maxfield urged the jury to have the only reasonable sentence in this case, according to a court application.
Comments prosecuting authorities
Clarkmas County District Attorney John Wentworth stressed that the case sent a clear message: “Not in Clarkmas County. This case shows that my office is prosecuting criminal acts regardless of the offender’s community status.”
Overview of Legal Procedures
A Clarkmas County grand jury sued McClemorymore February 2024After hearing testimony from victims and others. He was arrested by the U.S. Marshal in April 2024.
McLemore pleaded not guilty to all four charges before trial. The conviction of three counts marks a serious turning point in the case.
Sentencing and potential sentences
McClemor faces sentencing Wednesday, July 9, 2025at 9:30 a.m. in Clackamas County Circuit Court.
Under Oregon law, the mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree rape and first-degree illegal sexual penetration is about 100 months (about 8.3 years old) and up to 20 years. Second-degree sexual abuse is a C-class felony with a maximum 5 years in prison.
Impact on McClemore’s career and reputation
McLemore was selected seventh by the Sacramento Kings in 2013 and spent nine seasons in the NBA, including several teams including the Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers and Cross Country Blazers. He played in the NBA for the last time in the 2021-22 season and then moved overseas to play in China, Greece, Spain and Türkiye.
This must have sin marked a devastating blow to his professional basketball career and public reputation, as there was once an NBA guard who had been standing out of grace.
The broader questions raised in the case
Advocates and legal analysts of the victims pointed out that the case highlighted key issues surrounding consent, poisoning and how the court handles allegations involving the identity of celebrities or athletes. The victim testified that she was not bringing a criminal case for financial gain: “You can’t do this to someone, let alone someone you don’t know.”
The prosecutor’s assertion about the interruption of denial of consent emphasizes ongoing debate on how the court handles cases incapacity of one party. The evidence provided includes photos of the victim falling on the toilet and passing out on the sofa.
Next steps and judgment prospects
The sentencing hearing on July 9 is crucial. Prosecutors may push the minimum sentence for Class A felony toward a sentence; the defense may demand leniency. McLemore’s lack of a previous criminal record may be a factor, although the seriousness of the crime can be very high.
McLemore may be eligible to appeal after sentencing. But given the consistency of the jury’s verdict and testimony, overturning the conviction would be challenging.
in conclusion
Ben McLemore’s belief represents a critical moment for the justice system and the high-profile defendants. The Clarkmas County jury apparently rejected his version of the incident, which was related to the victim’s account and the prosecutor’s description of extreme intoxication and incapacity.
The case may remain a point of reference for policy and training around consent, especially in litigation involving alcohol damage to an individual. It is also a cautionary tale about personal behavior and accountability for professional athletes.
As McLemore awaits sentencing, basketball, legal and public discussions on sexual violence and accountability will continue.
