A former Sacramento Kings player is accused of rape and other sex crimes, according to Oregon law enforcement officials.Ben McLemore was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Kings.The allegations stem from a reported sexual assault in Lake Oswego in October 2021. The victim identified the suspect as McLemore, who was a Portland Trailblazer at the time.During the investigation, McLemore was out of state and frequently traveled overseas for his job, which delayed the process.In February of this year, a Clackamas County grand jury issued an indictment against McLemore for one county of rape, one count of unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of sex abuse.He appeared in court at a Clackamas County courtroom on Wednesday afternoon for his arraignment.McLemore was a shooting guard for the Kings from 2013 to 2017. He went on to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. He has also played in China, Greece and Spain.McLemore shared the following statement on Thursday:The charges I was handed in court yesterday appear to allege that in 2021 I had sex with a woman who was too intoxicated to consent.I am not accused of using physical force to rape someone. Rather, I am accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone who now claims she did not consent.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 allegation dates back to October of 2021, during a time I played in Portland. It will take some time for us to uncover the facts. At this time, the prosecution has not provided my attorneys with any reports or evidence.My attorneys and I cooperated fully with the investigation. I met every request they made of me, immediately and professionally. I indicated that I was interested in testifying in the grand jury but was refused that opportunity. When my attorneys were informed of the charges, we immediately made plans for me to return to the United States for the first court appearance—and informed all law enforcement authorities and the Court of my travel plan. I could not have done more to assist in the process.The truth will come to light. I am confident we will prevail and my name will be cleared.Thank you all for your support. I appreciate all of you and am confident this will turn out as it should.
A former Sacramento Kings player is accused of rape and other sex crimes, according to Oregon law enforcement officials.
Ben McLemore was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Kings.
The allegations stem from a reported sexual assault in Lake Oswego in October 2021. The victim identified the suspect as McLemore, who was a Portland Trailblazer at the time.
During the investigation, McLemore was out of state and frequently traveled overseas for his job, which delayed the process.
In February of this year, a Clackamas County grand jury issued an indictment against McLemore for one county of rape, one count of unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of sex abuse.
He appeared in court at a Clackamas County courtroom on Wednesday afternoon for his arraignment.
McLemore was a shooting guard for the Kings from 2013 to 2017. He went on to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. He has also played in China, Greece and Spain.
McLemore shared the following statement on Thursday:
The charges I was handed in court yesterday appear to allege that in 2021 I had sex with a woman who was too intoxicated to consent.
I am not accused of using physical force to rape someone. Rather, I am accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone who now claims she did not consent.
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 allegation dates back to October of 2021, during a time I played in Portland. It will take some time for us to uncover the facts. At this time, the prosecution has not provided my attorneys with any reports or evidence.
My attorneys and I cooperated fully with the investigation. I met every request they made of me, immediately and professionally. I indicated that I was interested in testifying in the grand jury but was refused that opportunity. When my attorneys were informed of the charges, we immediately made plans for me to return to the United States for the first court appearance—and informed all law enforcement authorities and the Court of my travel plan. I could not have done more to assist in the process.
The truth will come to light. I am confident we will prevail and my name will be cleared.
Thank you all for your support. I appreciate all of you and am confident this will turn out as it should.
First appeared on www.kcra.com