Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Arrested on Rape Charges

Former NBA player Ben McLemore found himself in legal trouble after being arrested by U.S. Marshals on Tuesday in Oregon. The arrest followed allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2021 when he was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

McLemore, 31, who hasn't played in the NBA since 2022, was apprehended at the Portland International Airport based on an outstanding felony warrant. The charges against him include first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two charges of second-degree sexual abuse, as reported by Lake Oswego police.

The accusations arose from an incident reported in Lake Oswego on October 3, 2021, during McLemore's tenure with the Trail Blazers. Despite McLemore's subsequent international stints playing professionally in China, Greece, and Spain, detectives continued their investigation, which was delayed due to his departure from Oregon.

In February, a Clackamas County grand jury reviewed evidence in the case, including testimony from the alleged victim, leading to McLemore's indictment and the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Authorities praised the bravery of the survivor for coming forward and undergoing the challenging legal process.  He was arraigned on Wednesday and subsequently released on a bail of $500,000, with a requirement to post $50,000.

McLemore's legal representatives have yet to comment on the matter. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 1 in Oregon.

Selected as the seventh pick in the 2013 NBA draft from the University of Kansas, McLemore played for five teams over nine seasons in the league before his career took him overseas.

Former Portland Trail Blazer Ben McLemore made a courtroom appearance in Clackamas County Circuit Court on Wednesday to face charges related to alleged rape and other sex crimes dating back to 2021.

An indictment, unveiled following the hearing, detailed the accusations against McLemore, who spent the 2021-2022 season with the Blazers before exiting the NBA scene. The indictment charges McLemore with first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. If convicted, he could potentially face a minimum sentence of eight years and four months in prison.

McLemore's legal proceedings have garnered significant attention, especially given his prior affiliation with the NBA. His appearance in court marks a significant development in a case that has been under investigation since the reported incident in 2021.

The unsealing of the indictment sheds light on the severity of the allegations against McLemore, who has yet to publicly address the charges. As the legal process unfolds, McLemore's future remains uncertain, with potential repercussions extending beyond the courtroom.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for alleged criminal actions, regardless of their status or past affiliations. McLemore's next steps in the legal process will continue to draw attention as the case progresses through the justice system.

The courtroom proceedings on Wednesday mark a crucial juncture in McLemore's legal journey, with the potential for significant implications on his future and reputation. As the case unfolds, further details may emerge, shedding light on the events leading up to McLemore's indictment and subsequent court appearance. 

Ben McLemore, a former NBA player who last played for the Portland Trail Blazers, found himself at the center of legal proceedings after being arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of rape and other charges. The arrest, carried out at the Portland International Airport, followed an indictment by a grand jury in Oregon, alleging McLemore sexually assaulted a woman in 2021 while he was still in the NBA.

The 31-year-old guard, who currently plays professional basketball in Spain, was booked on suspicion of rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of sexual abuse, according to Clackamas County jail logs. The allegations stem from an incident reported in Lake Oswego, where a woman claimed she was assaulted at a residence in October 2021.

Despite McLemore's departure from Oregon during the investigation and his frequent overseas travels for employment, detectives continued to gather evidence. An indictment was issued by a Clackamas County grand jury in February, following the victim's testimony and the presentation of evidence.

Authorities commended the survivor for her bravery in coming forward and undergoing the legal process. McLemore appeared for his arraignment at Clackamas County Circuit Court on Wednesday, where he was granted permission to travel outside Oregon while awaiting trial. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo hair testing to monitor compliance with court-ordered restrictions on alcohol consumption.

McLemore's basketball career, marked by stints with various NBA teams including the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Portland Trail Blazers, has now been overshadowed by these serious legal allegations. With a court date set for July 1, McLemore's future both in the courtroom and on the basketball court remains uncertain.

Despite his achievements on the basketball court, including standout performances during his college career at Kansas and his time in the NBA, McLemore's legacy may now be defined by the outcome of the legal proceedings against him. As the case unfolds, further details may emerge, shedding light on the events leading up to McLemore's arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings.