Ben McLemore arrest: what are the potential punishments ex-Blazers guard facing?

Ben McLemore could be a main character if any production house ever decides to do a “What if..” series. The 7th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft could have had the world at his feet, but things turned out quite differently.

Now in 2024, Ben McLemore finds himself applying his trade in the Spanish basketball scene with Rio Breogan. He resurfaced on the news again but this time with police lights all over him for the alleged rape charges.

What potential punishment is Ben McLemore facing?

According to the police statement, the incident occurred in 2021, when McLemore played for the Portland Trail Blazers. Multiple charges have been pressed against the former NBA player with punishments leading to a prison sentence.

He is charged with first-degree rape, an A-level felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, which is also an A-level felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Apart from these, the 31-year-old is also charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. These come under C-level felonies, each with a maximum of 5 years imprisonment.

Ben McLemore was arrested by U.S. Marshall Services on Tuesday after landing at Portland International Airport. Back in February, an arrest warrant was issued against his name after a woman filed a sexual assault case. Ben McLemore, since then, has responded to the charges.

Ben McLemore issues statement following rape charges

Ben McLemore has finally broken his silence over the alleged rape charges. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the former Kings guard has issued a public statement regarding the accusation made against him.

“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,” stated Ben McLemore.

He further added that he and his attorney are assisting with the investigation process as swiftly and professionally as possible. McLemore also mentioned his travel plans due to his professional commitments and insisted on how the truth will come to light, clearing his name.

This is not the first time a name from the NBA got involved in a sexual assault case. Dwight Howard is also a prominent name to be involved in such a scandal. NY Knicks owner James Dolan was also named in a SA case. As for McLemore, he is due back in court on July 1 when the grand jury will proceed with the Lake Oswego incident.