July 10, (THEWILL) — A former National Basketball Association player has received a substantial custodial sentence following serious criminal convictions in Oregon. Benjamin McLemore, who was selected seventh overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, has been ordered to serve eight years and four months in state prison after being convicted of multiple serious offences.
The sentencing hearing took place at Clackamas County Court, where McLemore faced judgement for three separate convictions: first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse. The imposed sentence represents the mandatory minimum penalty for first-degree rape under Oregon law. During proceedings, McLemore declined to address the court directly.
First Assistant District Attorney, Scott Healy, issued a formal statement regarding the outcome, noting that “many people are often afraid to report this type of conduct for a number of reasons.” Healy expressed hope that the victim’s courage in pursuing justice would inspire others to come forward in similar circumstances. The prosecution emphasised that the sentence shows the community’s commitment to holding offenders accountable regardless of their social standing.
The victim participated remotely during sentencing proceedings, delivering a powerful statement regarding the impact of the case. They described the nearly four-year legal process as “the longest almost four years of my life,” noting that “these last few years have often felt like a weight that I’ve had to drag behind me.” The victim highlighted the broader implications of their experience, explaining that “I now understand, on a deep level, why so many victims hesitate or never report what happened to them.”
McLemore’s legal team, led by attorney Kristen Winemiller, has indicated plans to pursue a ‘second look’ process in an attempt to secure a reduced sentence. Throughout his professional career, McLemore played for several prominent NBA franchises including the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trailblazers, later continuing his career in international competitions across China, Greece, Spain, and Turkey.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
