Ben McLemore’s Close Friend Cries Racism After NBA Star Gets 8-Year Prison Sentence

When Ben McLemore came into the NBA as a 7th overall pick in 2013, he had hoped to be one of those prospects who would go on to be one of the better players in the league. Now not only is he a few years removed from the league, but will spend the next few years in prison.

McLemore was one of the better prospects to come out of the Kansas Jayhawks’ basketball program over the past two decades. After four years with the Sacramento Kings, he played for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Then the Kings again, then the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and then finally with the Portland Trail Blazers, the guard became more of an expendable rotational player.

That last season with the Trail Blazers would now impact his life. Ben McLemore was arrested in 2024 by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with 1st-degree r**e and three other s**ual abuse charges.

It stemmed from an incident that took place at former Trail Blazer teammate, Robert Covington’s home at Lake Oswego, Oregon, back on October 21st, 2021. He has been found guilty on 3 of those 4 charges and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

The Clackamas County jury that convicted Ben McLemore was entirely white and overwhelmingly conservative, facts that can’t be separated from the outcome. Racial bias has long shaped how Black men are perceived in the justice system, and this case was no exception.

Michaela Battle wrote on X

The Clackamas County jury that convicted Ben McLemore was entirely white and overwhelmingly conservative, facts that can’t be separated from the outcome. Racial bias has long shaped how Black men are perceived in the justice system, and this case was no exception.

— Michaela (@michaelajbattle) July 3, 2025

This was Michaela Battle, a close friend of the former NBA star, believes this trial was fast tracked as the jury was white and ‘overwhelmingly conservative’. She claims that racial bias played a hand in this swift decision.

Ben McLemore’s friend believes the court did not give him the benefit of doubt

Michaela Battle believes claims she was in the courtroom throughout the entire trial. One of the pointers she made while arguing her close friend’s innocence was with regard to Oregon state law.

In Ben McLemore’s situation, Oregon law says sex without consent includes being too drunk, but both were heavily intoxicated. There was no force, no threat. It’s heartbreaking that her regret can turn into a rape charge, especially when the situation was mutual.

Michaela Battle wrote on X

Battle believes the victim and Ben McLemore mutually agreed to their encounter. The former Trail Blazer did not force or threaten the woman. Hence, the court should have given him the benefit of doubt instead of taking the side of the victim.

In Ben McLemore’s situation, Oregon law says sex without consent includes being too drunk, but both were heavily intoxicated. There was no force, no threat. It’s heartbreaking that her regret can turn into a rape charge, especially when the situation was mutual.

— Michaela (@michaelajbattle) July 4, 2025

The Missouri native told Clackamas County Circuit Court that he had been drinking heavily on that night. However, he testified that the encounter was consensual. The victim on the other hand claimed she was unable to provide consent. That is what led to the conviction and subsequent sentencing.

Ben McLemore is not eligible for NBPA benefits

It will be nearly 2033 before Ben McLemore can return to normal civil life. Had he not been arrested, the 32-year-old could have continuing playing basketball abroad as he had been doing for the past three years since he left the NBA.

That money would have been more than any pension he would be receiving from the NBPA. Once he comes out, as per the current CBA, the Kansas star will be receiving roughly $90K annually for the number of years he has played in the NBA.

That would be a meager amount for someone who earned nearly $31 million over the course of his career. On top of that, he did not play 10 years in the league. Hence, if he plans for a family in the future, he would not be getting the NBPA’s family health benefits.

By the time he comes out of prison, the former Portland Trail Blazer will be 40. It would take a Herculean task for him to find ways to earn money. Maybe some support from those close to him, can help him stand on his two feet.

Also Read:

• “It Fuels Me,” Deandre Ayton Motivated to Prove Doubters Wrong After Lakers Move
• $2500 Tickets for Bronny James vs Cooper Flagg Summer League Game Stuns Fans: “Bronny Runs the League”