Today, according to the Oregonian, former NBA player Ben McLemore was charged with rape.
It is reported that Ben McLemore will be tried this week on suspicion of rape, and at least one former teammate Covington is expected to appear in court to testify. Jury selection will begin Tuesday and the trial is expected to last for two weeks.
McLemore, 32, faces first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.
The indictment refers only to the victim with the initial letter and describes her inability to consent due to “mental disorder” or “physical helplessness.” Authorities have not disclosed specific evidence of the prosecution of the grand jury in February 2024.
Lake Oswego police said last year that the alleged crimes occurred in October 2021 at a residence in the 1200 block of Cherry Lane, Lake Oswego. Prosecutors told the court they planned to subpoena Covington as a witness.
Covington played 11 seasons in the NBA, including the 2020-21 season and the 2021-22 season with the Trail Blazers. After leaving the Trail Blazers, he played for the Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers. He suffered a knee injury in the mid-2023-24 season and has not played again since.
McLemore's lawyers will summon witnesses are not known, and their witness list is not made public. If convicted, he could face at least eight years and four months in prison.
McLemore was the No. 7 pick in 2013. He played for the Kings, Rockets, Grizzlies, Lakers and Trail Blazers in the NBA.