Former NBA guard Ben McLemore arrested, faces rape charge

Former NBA guard Ben McLemore was arrested Tuesday on a felony warrant for rape, unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of sex abuse, the Lake Oswego (Oregon) Police Department said in a news release.

The alleged assault happened Oct. 3, 2021 when McLemore played for the Portland Trail Blazers. The woman is cooperating with the police investigation.

“In the investigation, detectives learned that she reported she was assaulted at a home in the 1200 block of Cherry Lane in Lake Oswego, and the suspect was identified as McLemore, who was a Portland Trailblazer at the time of the incident,” police said. “Mr. McLemore moved out of state during the investigation and frequently traveled overseas for his employment, resulting in delays in the investigation, while detectives continued to gather evidence.

“In February of this year, a Clackamas County Grand Jury heard evidence in the case, including testimony from the survivor, and issued an indictment against Mr. McLemore and an arrest warrant for the listed charges.

“We applaud the courage of the survivor to come forward and put herself through this arduous process, and we will continue to support her in any way we can.”

McLemore, 31, was arrested at the Portland International Airport Tuesday and arraigned Wednesday in Clackamas County Circuit Court.

McLeMore played one season at Kansas and was selected seventh overall by Sacramento in the 2013 NBA Draft. He played nine NBA seasons with the Kings, Memphis, Houston, Los Angeles Lakers and Blazers. Following the 2021-22 NBA season, he played in China, Greece and Spain, including 13 games in Spain’s top pro league in 2023-24.