Ex-NBA lottery selection Ben McLemore speaks out about allegations of rape.
Former NBA player Ben McLemore formally addressed rape allegations on Thursday. McLemore, aged 31, is accused of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse stemming from a 2021 sexual encounter with a woman while he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. McLemore released a statement denying all allegations, stating, “I did not rape this woman. I am not sexually abusive. I have never pursued a sexual relationship when I understood the woman was not interested in me and acting willingly. … The truth will come to light. I am confident we will prevail and my name will be cleared.”
McLemore, who was the No. 7 overall pick by the Kings in the 2013 NBA Draft, played for five different NBA teams over nine seasons, averaging 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. His last NBA stint was with the Blazers during the 2021-22 season. Since then, he has played professionally overseas and is currently listed on the roster of the Spanish team Río Breogán.
