(Photo : Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Ben McLemore (#23) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans throughout a sport on the Smoothie King Center on April 07, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ex-NBA guard Ben McLemore has insisted that he didn’t commit a sexual assault in opposition to an accuser after he was arrested on the Portland International Airport for one cost of first-degree rape.
The 31-year-old skilled basketball participant, who final performed within the NBA in 2022 with the Portland Trail Blazers, stated that the case in opposition to him was intercourse with out 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,” he stated in a press release revealed by NBA insider Shams Charania on X.
He maintained his innocence, and so they now cooperate totally with the authorities.
McLemore, 31, arrived within the NBA in 2013 as a seventh total decide by the Sacramento Kings. From there, he bounced from crew to crew.
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His greatest 12 months was with the Houston Rockets when he was featured prominently within the playoffs.
His newest contract was with the Rio Breogan of Spain’s Liga ACB.
He has been launched from jail after paying $500,000 in bail. He was additionally required to put up $50,000. He will face the courtroom once more on July 1.
Timeline of Ben McLemore’s sexual assault case
Oregon police stated the incident occurred in 2021 when McLemore was nonetheless taking part in for the Trail Blazers.
The complainant, who was not named, stated the sexual assault occurred in Lake Oswego on Oct. 3, 2021.
The case was formally opened in February this 12 months. The Clackamas County grand jury heard the criticism, investigated, and recognized the previous NBA participant because the suspect.
“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,” the police stated in a press release.
Status with Spanish membership
McLemore was nonetheless in Spain when he was knowledgeable about his pending arrest.
His present membership, the Rio Breogan, revealed that McLemore requested a go away for private causes, which was granted.
The Spanish membership stated in a press release, “Last week, the player requested permission from the Club for a court appearance in his country of origin without detailing the exact content of the case.”
“According to his representatives, this appearance would allow him to return to Spain within the next 72 hours. However, at the date of writing, we must wait to obtain detailed legal information to make any value judgment with guarantees.”
The Spanish membership additionally refused to touch upon the participant’s case as they’re nonetheless ready for an in depth authorized info from his representatives.
However, they strongly condemned acts of violence of any variety.
They didn’t make clear whether or not McLemore can play straight away for the membership.
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