Former Trail Blazers Guard Ben McLemore Sentenced 8 Years Prison Rape Oregon

Ben McLemore, a former NBA player and Portland Trail Blazers guard, was sentenced to over eight years in prison after being found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman at a 2021 party hosted at the home of teammate Robert Covington. The victim testified that she was incapacitated due to heavy drinking during the party and could not consent, while McLemore claimed the sexual encounter was consensual. The jury convicted McLemore of first-degree rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse charges. The victim, who initially hesitated to come forward due to McLemore's status as a professional athlete, addressed the court emphasizing that no one is above the law regardless of their position or fame. The conviction highlights the broader issue of sexual assault reporting and aims to encourage other victims to come forward. McLemore's professional basketball career spanned several NBA teams and overseas leagues, but he has not played in the NBA since 2022.