Ben McLemore releases statement addressing rape charges

Ben McLemore . Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA guard Ben McLemore releases statement on rape charge, other counts

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 4/11/24

Former NBA veteran Ben McLemore on Thursday formally addressed the rape allegations made against him.

McLemore, 31, is facing charges of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. The charges stem from an alleged 2021 sexual encounter with a woman when McLemore was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. More details on the alleged incident can be found here.

McLemore released a statement Thursday denying all the allegations made against him.

Statement from former NBA No. 7 overall pick Ben McLemore, who is facing rape and sex crime charges in Portland: pic.twitter.com/3vHx7PreKs

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 12, 2024

McLemore was selected seventh overall by the Kings in the 2013 NBA Draft. He played for five different NBA franchises and had career averages of 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists across nine seasons.

McLemore last suited up for the Blazers during the 2021-22 season. He has since played professionally overseas and is currently listed on the roster of Spanish team Río Breogán, which also released a statement on the matter.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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