Ex-NBA guard Ben McLemore has insisted that he did not commit a sexual assault against an accuser after he was arrested at the Portland International Airport for one charge of first-degree rape.
The 31-year-old professional basketball player, who last played in the NBA in 2022 with the Portland Trail Blazers, said that the case against him was sex without 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 said in a statement published by NBA insider Shams Charania on X.
He maintained his innocence, and they now cooperate fully with the authorities.
McLemore, 31, arrived in the NBA in 2013 as a seventh overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. From there, he bounced from team to team.
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His best year was with the Houston Rockets when he was featured prominently in the playoffs.
His latest contract was with the Rio Breogan of Spain's Liga ACB.
He has been released from jail after paying $500,000 in bail. He was also required to post $50,000. He will face the court again on July 1.
Timeline of Ben McLemore's sexual assault case
Oregon police said the incident occurred in 2021 when McLemore was still playing for the Trail Blazers.
The complainant, who was not named, said the sexual assault happened in Lake Oswego on Oct. 3, 2021.
The case was officially opened in February this year. The Clackamas County grand jury heard the complaint, investigated, and identified the former NBA player as 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 said in a statement.
Status with Spanish club
McLemore was still in Spain when he was informed about his pending arrest.
His current club, the Rio Breogan, revealed that McLemore requested a leave for personal reasons, which was granted.
The Spanish club said in a statement, "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 club also refused to comment on the player's case as they are still waiting for a detailed legal information from his representatives.
However, they strongly condemned acts of violence of any kind.
They did not clarify whether McLemore can play right away for the club.
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