Former NBA player Ben McLemore has been found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman during a lakeside team house party in 2021. A jury in Clackamas County, Washington, reached the verdict on Thursday after approximately 10 hours of deliberation. The 32-year-old former NBA guard was convicted of rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse, though he was acquitted of a count of second-degree sexual abuse. McLemore had entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The case has drawn significant attention due to McLemore’s status as a former professional athlete. District Attorney John Wentworth emphasized the impartiality of the legal process in his statement, saying,
“We recognize there are those who fear individuals with celebrity status or a position of prominence can avoid prosecution. Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts, regardless of the offender’s community status.”
Details of the Incident
The charges against McLemore stem from an incident at a gathering in Lake Oswego, hosted by his then-teammate on the Portland Trail Blazers, Robert Covington. Prosecutors argued that McLemore assaulted a heavily intoxicated and partially unconscious woman, taking advantage of her vulnerable state.
According to the prosecution, McLemore was aware of the woman’s condition, having seen her vomit and struggle to maintain consciousness. Witnesses corroborated these claims, describing the woman as having difficulty walking, slurring her speech, and being unable to lift her head before passing out on a couch around 2 a.m.
“She was physically helpless when he did this to her,” First Assistant District Attorney Scott Healy told the jury. “He also did not have consent to do that to her.”
Defense and Testimonies
McLemore’s defense team, led by attorney Kristen Winemiller, expressed shock at the verdict but acknowledged the diligence of the jury and the presiding judge. Winemiller stated,
“We had a jury that worked incredibly hard and took it seriously and the same is true with the judge.”
Defense attorney Lisa Maxfield argued that adult women, like men, have agency, and questioned the fairness of the charges given both parties’ intoxication levels.
“This is the 21st century,” Maxfield reportedly told the jury. “Adult women, like men, have agency. They’re not stuffed animals. Like men, they are grown adults who make adult choices.”
Covington, who owned the home where the incident occurred, testified that he witnessed the woman attempting to initiate sexual contact with McLemore before leaving the room. However, the prosecution maintained that McLemore’s actions were non-consensual and exploitative, given the woman’s incapacitated state.
Implications and Next Steps
McLemore, who exited the NBA in 2022 and has since played in Europe and Asia, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least eight years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for next week, and the case underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual assault allegations involving high-profile individuals.
The verdict is a stark reminder of the legal system’s role in holding individuals accountable, regardless of their status or public persona. The case may also influence how similar future cases are prosecuted, particularly those involving intoxication and consent.
As the legal proceedings continue, the broader societal implications of the case remain a topic of discussion, particularly regarding the responsibilities of individuals in positions of power and the importance of consent in all interactions.