Who is Ben McLemore? Ex-Trail Blazer found guilty of rape at teammate's party
Though McLemore testified the encounter was consensual, the jury convicted him on three of four counts, rejecting his claim that the woman initiated contact while he slept. The two-week trial featured testimony from both McLemore and his accuser, plus former Blazers players.
Survivor's testimony revealed freezing during assault
During emotional testimony, the woman described waking up to McLemore assaulting her while she was too drunk to move or speak. "My body felt locked," she told jurors. "I thought if I played dead, it might stop".
Photos showed her vomiting and unconscious earlier that night, supporting her account of incapacitation.
Prosecutors emphasized she never sued McLemore or sought money, pursuing charges because 'you can't do that to somebody'. Defense lawyer Lisa Maxfield argued the encounter was "two drunk people having sex," claiming Covington saw the woman initiate contact, though Covington never testified
Prison time looms as basketball career ends
McLemore faces at least 8 years in prison when sentenced later this summer. His NBA career stalled after the Blazers released him in 2022, leading to overseas play in China and Spain until his arrest by U.S. Marshals at Portland Airport.
The jury's mixed verdict, convicting on rape and unlawful penetration charges but acquitting on one sexual abuse count, suggests they believed the survivor's account of being unable to consent while intoxicated.
Also Read | Comet or asteroid? Mystery space object hurtling towards Earth puzzles scientist
Local police praised her courage, noting McLemore's international moves delayed the case for years. Resources for sexual assault survivors were shared as the court adjourned.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Marcus Morris Sr arrested in Florida as financial crime allegations hit 13-year NBA career
Marcus Morris Sr. Image via: Rick Bowmer/ AP NBA veteran Marcus Morris Sr. was arrested Sunday in Broward County, Florida, on a felony fraud charge tied to an out-of-state warrant. The 35-year-old forward, known for his tough, enforcer-style presence across 13 NBA seasons, is now facing one of the biggest off-court challenges of his career. His arrest has raised eyebrows across the league, as he remains an unsigned free agent and has recently begun transitioning into a media career. Marcus Morris Sr., faces felony fraud charges after a Florida arrest Marcus Morris Sr., a former standout at the University of Kansas, was drafted 14th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2011. While his early career included flashes of promise, he quickly became a journeyman, suiting up for eight franchises, including the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Clippers. Most recently, he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers during the 2023–24 season. In total, Morris logged 832 games with career averages of 12 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. — bballforever_ (@bballforever_) His arrest stems from an out-of-state felony warrant related to writing a bad check. According to TMZ, 'Marcus Morris Sr. has been arrested on a fraud charge in Florida …' The Broward County Sheriff's Office confirmed he was taken into custody without bond. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Ultimate Trick to Finding 5-Star Hotels for $50/Night? Liseer Read More Undo Authorities released a mug shot showing Morris with a blank expression, offering no indication of the legal storm he now faces. This isn't Morris's first legal incident. In 2012, he entered a diversion program for a misdemeanor battery charge. He was later acquitted, alongside his twin brother Markieff Morris, in a 2015 aggravated assault case in Phoenix. The twins have made headlines in recent years for off-court antics, including publicly challenging the Jokic brothers to a boxing match. Florida arrest threatens to derail Marcus Morris Sr.'s potential NBA return after 13 seasons Beyond basketball, Marcus Morris Sr. has been exploring a post-playing career with frequent analyst spots on ESPN's Get Up and First Take. Yet, with this recent legal trouble, both his future in broadcasting and any hopes of a late NBA comeback remain unclear. Morris was once viewed as a dominant contributor, especially during his time with the Celtics in their 2018 playoff run. But with legal troubles mounting and free agency interest fading, his path forward may now depend more on the courtroom than the hardwood. Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Linked to $32,951,083 Detroit Pistons Star in Bold Trade Proposal Involving P.J. Washington FAQs Why was Marcus Morris Sr. arrested? He was arrested on a felony warrant in Florida for allegedly writing a bad check. Is Marcus Morris Sr. still playing in the NBA? No, he is currently a free agent and last played in the 2023–24 season. Has Marcus Morris Sr. had legal issues before? Yes, he faced a battery charge in 2012 and was acquitted in a 2015 assault case. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
a day ago
- News18
Trump Mocks Obama With Infamous Simpson White Ford Bronco Chase Meme, Vance Drops An Emoji
Last Updated: Donald Trump shared another meme mocking Barack Obama, this time with OJ Simpson white Ford Bronco police chase. US President Donald Trump has mocked former President Barack Obama using a meme of one of the most infamous police chases in American history – OJ Simpson white Ford Bronco chase. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump shared an edited image, replacing original faces with those of himself, JD Vance and Obama. The doctored picture shows Obama as a runaway driving the white Bronco, with Trump right behind him in a police car. The photo also shows young Vance having long hair, chasing Obama in a second police car. The Vice President also reposted the image on X. The infamous OJ Simpson white Ford Bronco chase refers to a dramatic and widely televised police pursuit that took place on June 17, 1994, in Los Angeles, California. Simpson was in the passenger seat of a white 1993 Ford Bronco, driven by his friend Al Cowlings. The chase was broadcast live on national television and watched by over 95 million people. Trump's latest attack on Obama came days after he shared an AI-generated video showing the Democratic leader being arrested by the FBI in the Oval Office. The video showed Obama standing in jail in an orange prisoner's uniform. The doctored images are surfacing amid rising political tensions. Last week, U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard claimed to have strong evidence that ex-Obama officials fabricated the Trump-Russia collusion story and called for their trial. view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 10:07 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Trump's Latest Meme Attack Depicts Obama in OJ Simpson And The White Ford Bronco Police Chase
US President Donald Trump has once again taken a jab at former President Barack Obama and this time, using one of the world's most infamous police chases. On Saturday, Trump posted a doctored image on his social media platform Truth Social, mimicking the infamous OJ Simpson white Ford Bronco chase. The edited image shows Obama as a fugitive driving the white Bronco, while Trump follows closely behind in a police cruiser. Also featured in the image is Vice President JD Vance, depicted with long hair and a youthful, college-era look, trailing the pursuit in a second squad car. Vice President Vance also reposted the image on his X account with the crying-laughing emoji. The image was initially shared by Donald Trump Jr. on X on July 22, accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji. This latest jab at Obama comes just days after Trump shared another piece of doctored media, an AI-generated video that depicted the former president being arrested in the Oval Office by FBI agents. The video, posted on Truth Social, began with Obama saying, "especially the President is above the law". It then features many US politicians stating, "no one is above the law." The clip then switched to an AI-generated video of Obama being handcuffed by two FBI agents in the same office he once occupied as the President. Trump can be seen sitting and smiling during the "arrest." The fake video ended with Obama standing inside jail, wearing the prison's orange jumpsuit. These doctored images and videos are surfacing at a time of heightened political tension. Just last week, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed that she has "striking" and "overwhelming" evidence of ex-Obama officials allegedly manufacturing the Trump-Russia collusion theory after the 2016 election to prevent Trump's presidency. She called for a trial of the former Obama administration. "Americans will finally learn the truth about how in 2016, intelligence was politicised and weaponised by the most powerful people in the Obama administration to lay the groundwork for what was essentially a years-long coup against President Donald Trump, subverting the will of the American people and undermining our democratic republic," she wrote on X.
