Shocking News: Ex-NBA Star Ben McLemore Found Guilty of Rape and Sexual Assault from 2021 Party Incident

Former NBA player Ben McLemore has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman after a party in 2021 while he was with the Portland Trail Blazers. The jury in Clackamas County, Oregon, convicted him of serious charges, including first-degree rape and unlawful sexual penetration.

District Attorney John Wentworth emphasized that the case shows no one is above the law, no matter their status. “This demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender’s community status,” he stated.

The assault happened on October 3, 2021, after a party at the home of McLemore’s teammate, Robert Covington. According to the prosecution, the victim was heavily intoxicated, describing her state as “hammered unconscious drunk.” Witnesses noted she struggled to walk or speak and even vomited earlier that night.

Around 2 a.m., the victim fell asleep on a couch. By 6 a.m., she partially regained consciousness to find McLemore assaulting her. The prosecutor described how she was “fading in and out” of awareness, feeling frightened and traumatized. Later that day, she sought medical help specific to sexual assault.

The victim testified boldly, stating, “You can’t do that to somebody… I don’t care who you are.” McLemore’s defense team disputed her claims, arguing she consented to the encounter despite both being intoxicated.

McLemore, who was a notable player in the NBA after being drafted seventh overall in 2013 by the Sacramento Kings, has had a diverse career, playing for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers.

This case adds to the ongoing conversation about accountability in cases of sexual assault, particularly when it involves high-profile individuals. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. have been raped at some point in their lives. This statistic demonstrates that sexual violence remains a widespread issue needing attention and action.

McLemore’s sentencing is set for July 9. The outcome of this trial may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the crucial importance of believing survivors and ensuring justice is served.



Source link

Portland Trail Blazers, NBA