On July 3, 2025, a Clackamas County jury delivered a landmark verdict, convicting former Portland Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse stemming from a 2021 incident at a Lake Oswego house party. The case, which unfolded over an 11-day trial, has drawn significant attention due to McLemore’s status as a former NBA player and the serious nature of the charges. This comprehensive analysis explores the trial details, key testimonies, sentencing implications, and the broader impact on McLemore’s career and public perception, providing an in-depth resource for those seeking clarity on this high-profile case.
Case Background: The 2021 Lake Oswego Incident
The incident occurred on October 3, 2021, at the Lake Oswego residence of Robert Covington, a former Portland Trail Blazers teammate of McLemore. The event was a house party attended by several players, including recognizable names like Quinn Cook and Nassir Little. The victim, a 21-year-old college student from Vancouver, Washington, attended the party with friends, unaware that it was hosted at Covington’s home. According to court testimony, the woman consumed over ten shots of alcohol, leading to severe intoxication. She became ill, vomited, and passed out on a living room couch, as evidenced by photos shown during the trial.
Prosecutors alleged that McLemore, then 32, sexually assaulted the woman while she was incapacitated, unable to consent due to mental incapacitation and physical helplessness. The woman testified that she awoke to McLemore assaulting her, describing her body as feeling “locked” and her attempt to “play dead” to stop the assault. She reported the incident to Lake Oswego police later that day and underwent a specialized medical examination for sexual assault victims, which supported her account of incapacitation.
Trial Proceedings: Prosecution vs. Defense
The trial, held in Clackamas County Circuit Court, spanned two and a half weeks, beginning with jury selection on June 17, 2025, and concluding with a verdict on July 3, 2025. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, deliberated for approximately 10 hours before finding McLemore guilty on three of four charges: first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. They acquitted him on a second count of second-degree sexual abuse.
Prosecution’s Case
Deputy District Attorney Randi Hall and prosecutor Scott Healy presented a compelling case, emphasizing the victim’s inability to consent due to her intoxication. The woman’s testimony was emotional, detailing how she awoke to McLemore assaulting her while she was “fading in and out” of consciousness. She recounted her fear and inability to move, stating, “You can’t do that to somebody, let alone somebody you don’t know”. Photos from the night showed her vomiting and unconscious, reinforcing her incapacitation. Testimonies from two other former Trail Blazers players, though not Covington, supported the prosecution’s narrative, providing context about the party’s atmosphere.
Defense’s Argument
McLemore, represented by attorneys Lisa Maxfield and Kristen Winemiller, maintained that the encounter was consensual. He testified that he was also intoxicated and awoke to the woman “fondling” him, claiming she was “awake and alert” during a 25-minute encounter. The defense argued that both parties were drunk but that the woman was sober enough to initiate and consent to the act. Maxfield emphasized McLemore’s gentle demeanor and his background, noting his upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri, and devotion to his family. However, the jury rejected this narrative, finding the victim’s account more credible.
Verdict and Sentencing: What’s Next for McLemore
Following the guilty verdict, McLemore was taken into immediate custody and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years and four months in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Clackamas County Circuit Court. The victim will deliver a final statement before the sentence is announced, offering closure to a case that has spanned nearly four years. District Attorney John Wentworth underscored the verdict’s significance, stating, “This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender’s community status”.
The conviction carries severe implications for McLemore, who faces not only incarceration but also lasting damage to his reputation and career. Social media posts, such as those from @Daily_MailUS and @saintlavonzo, reflect public shock and support for the victim, amplifying the case’s visibility.
Ben McLemore’s Career: From NBA Star to Conviction
Ben McLemore, the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of the University of Kansas, had a nine-year NBA career, playing for teams including the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers. His lone season with the Blazers in 2021-22 saw him play 64 games before his departure in April 2022. After leaving the NBA, McLemore played professionally in China, Greece, Spain, and Türkiye, most recently with Río Breogán in Spain until his arrest at Portland International Airport on April 9, 2024.
His international moves delayed the investigation, as Lake Oswego police noted that McLemore’s frequent travel complicated evidence collection. The conviction effectively ends any prospect of returning to professional basketball, marking a stark fall from his once-promising career as a first-round draft pick.
The Role of Robert Covington’s Home
The assault occurred at the Lake Oswego home of Robert Covington, a former Trail Blazers forward who played alongside McLemore during the 2021-22 season. While Covington did not testify, the party’s setting at his residence drew scrutiny. The defense claimed Covington witnessed the woman initiating contact, but prosecutors disputed this, emphasizing her incapacitation. The absence of Covington’s testimony, despite his prominence in the case’s context, left some questions unanswered, though it did not alter the jury’s decision.
Public and Legal Implications
The case highlights critical issues surrounding sexual assault, consent, and intoxication. The victim’s courage in pursuing justice was praised by Clackamas County officials, with resources like the Sexual Assault Resource Center (503-626-9100) and RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) shared for survivors. The verdict reinforces that celebrity status does not shield individuals from prosecution, as Wentworth’s statement emphasized.
Social media sentiment, reflected in posts from @PolymarketSport and @MailSport, underscores public support for accountability, with many commending the victim’s bravery. The case also raises questions about athlete conduct at team events and the responsibility of hosts to ensure guest safety, particularly in alcohol-fueled environments.
Support for Survivors and Community Impact
For those affected by sexual assault, resources are available to provide support. The Sexual Assault Resource Center in Beaverton, Oregon, offers assistance at 4900 SW Griffith Drive, Suite 135, while RAINN provides a 24/7 hotline for survivors nationwide. The case’s high-profile nature has sparked conversations about survivor advocacy and the importance of believing victims, especially in cases involving prominent figures.
In Clackamas County, the verdict sends a strong message about the justice system’s commitment to addressing sexual violence. The community’s response, amplified through local media like KGW and KPTV, reflects a growing demand for accountability, regardless of an individual’s status.
Looking Ahead: Sentencing and Beyond
As McLemore awaits sentencing on July 9, 2025, the focus shifts to the victim’s final statement and the court’s determination of his prison term. The mandatory minimum of eight years and four months ensures significant consequences, but the judge may consider additional factors, such as McLemore’s lack of prior convictions and his defense’s claims of consensual interaction. However, the jury’s rejection of the defense’s narrative suggests a strong belief in the victim’s account.
For fans and followers of the Portland Trail Blazers, the case casts a shadow over the team’s 2021-22 season, though it does not directly implicate current players or staff. Those seeking updates can follow local outlets like KOIN or OregonLive for real-time coverage, while @ClackamasCounty provides official statements on the case.
A Case That Resonates
The conviction of Ben McLemore on July 3, 2025, for first-degree rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse marks a significant moment in addressing sexual assault in high-profile contexts. The Clackamas County jury’s verdict, supported by compelling testimony and evidence, underscores the importance of consent and accountability. As McLemore faces a minimum of eight years in prison, the case serves as a reminder that justice applies equally, regardless of celebrity status. The bravery of the 21-year-old survivor, coupled with the thorough investigation by Lake Oswego police, ensures that this case will resonate in discussions about sexual violence and athlete conduct for years to come.
