Former NBA draft bust Ben McLemore addressed his Tuesday arrest on sexual assault charges in a statement released Thursday evening.
McLemore is facing four counts — first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse — stemming from a 2021 incident that occurred in the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon.
“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,” McLemore claimed in his statement.
“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.”
McLemore said that it would take time for his legal team to uncover the facts and that the prosecution hadn’t handed over any evidence or reports for his legal team to review.
He added that he has been cooperating with the investigation and had “met every request that they made of me, immediately and professionally,” while claiming that he had been refused the chance to testify in front of the grand jury.
McLemore was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday at Portland International Airport and arraigned on charges on Wednesday in Clackamas County Circuit Court.
The former NBAer and Kansas star said he arranged to return to the United States from overseas after learning of the charges and informed law enforcement of is plans.
“The truth will come to light. I am confident we will prevail and my name will be cleared,” McLemore said.
A grand jury handed down an indictment and an arrest warrant was issued in February for McLemore.
McLemore was selected seventh overall by the Kings in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Kansas.
He spent four years with Sacramento before playing with the Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers and Trail Blazers.
