Former NBA guard Ben McLemore has been sentenced to 100 months (over eight years) in prison following his conviction for the 2021 rape and sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman after a party in Oregon. The sentencing comes just a week after a Clackamas County jury found McLemore guilty of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse. He was acquitted of an additional charge of sexual abuse.

At the time of the incident, which took place on October 3, 2021, McLemore was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. The assault reportedly occurred after a gathering at the home of his then-teammate Robert Covington in Lake Oswego. According to the prosecution, the victim had passed out from heavy drinking and awoke intermittently to McLemore sexually assaulting her.

Victim Speaks Out, Court Delivers Justice

In court, the victim delivered a powerful video statement, describing how the trauma has weighed on her for years. “These last few years have often felt like a burden I couldn’t escape,” she said. “I didn’t know who he was at the time, but once I found out, I hesitated. Still, I came forward because no one is above the law.”

McLemore, 32, issued a statement through his attorneys, acknowledging the harm caused. 

“I know people are hurting. This would not have happened if I had been thinking clearly. I take responsibility for that,” he said.

Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the offense. “This sentence should send a message this behavior won’t be tolerated,” said First Assistant District Attorney Scott Healy.

Once a first-round NBA draft pick, McLemore played for several teams including the Kings, Rockets, and Lakers, before continuing his career overseas. Now, his legacy is overshadowed by a serious criminal conviction that ends his career on a deeply tragic note.