Former NBA guard, Ben McLemore, was sentenced to over eight years in Oregon state prison for raping and sexually assaulting a woman at a house party in 2021. McLemore, who last played in the NBA in 2022, was found guilty on charges of first-degree rape and other serious offenses. The incident took place at the home of his former teammate, Robert Covington, leading to a lengthy legal battle and eventual conviction. Despite maintaining his innocence initially, McLemore took responsibility for his actions in a statement following the sentencing.
The victim displayed immense courage in coming forward, shedding light on the importance of reporting such crimes. The trial revealed conflicting accounts of the events, with McLemore's attorneys claiming the encounter was consensual. However, the jury ruled against him, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated. McLemore, a former top draft pick, now faces a significant period of incarceration, marking a stark fall from his days in the NBA to playing overseas as he seeks redemption and second chances in the future.