Ben McLemore, a former NBA player and standout at Kansas, was arrested on rape and sexual abuse charges in Oregon. He was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, and was booked into the Clackamas County Jail. McLemore, 31, was expected to be arraigned in Clackamas County Circuit Court later on Wednesday. The Sacramento Kings selected McLemore with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2013 draft, and he played four seasons with them before joining the Memphis Grizzlies. He also had stints with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers before playing in China, Greece, and Spain.
McLemore’s basketball career did not meet the expectations set for him while at Kansas, where he was an All-Big 12 selection in his freshman season and averaged 15.9 points per game. Despite a promising start, he was unable to maintain the same level of success in the NBA, averaging 9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 556 games over his career. He struggled to live up to the hype surrounding him out of college, and after multiple moves between NBA teams and overseas leagues, McLemore found himself facing serious legal charges in Oregon. He had a brief return to the Kings in the 2018-19 season, but moved on after that year.
In a separate incident, Ja Morant, a player for the Memphis Grizzlies, was involved in a physical altercation with a teenager. A judge ruled that Morant acted in self-defense during the incident. Morant, a rising star in the NBA, has made significant contributions to the Grizzlies and was cleared of any wrongdoing in the altercation. The outcome of the investigation into the incident was favorable for Morant, who continues to perform at a high level on the court.
McLemore’s arrest on rape and sexual abuse charges is a serious and concerning development in his post-NBA career. The charges against him in Oregon add a troubling chapter to his professional history and raise questions about his conduct off the court. It remains to be seen how these legal issues will impact McLemore’s future prospects and whether he will be able to clear his name and move forward from this situation. The news of his arrest has caught the attention of both basketball fans and the general public, underscoring the importance of accountability and responsibility for those in the spotlight.
As McLemore navigates the legal process in Oregon, he faces the possibility of significant repercussions for his actions. The seriousness of the charges against him underscores the need for due process and a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the case. The outcome of his legal proceedings will have lasting implications for his reputation and future career opportunities. Meanwhile, Morant’s experience in the altercation with a teenager highlights the complexities of being a public figure and the scrutiny that comes with fame and success in professional sports. Both cases serve as reminders of the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a high-profile athlete.
