PORTLAND, Ore. — Former Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore issued a statement Thursday after he was arrested earlier in the week on rape and sexual assault charges, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.
McLemore was taken into custody Tuesday at the Portland International Airport, and was later arraigned in Clackamas County on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.
Lake Oswego police said that the alleged assault happened on Oct. 3, 2021, when McLemore was a player with the Blazers. A woman came forward the same day to report the crime, identifying McLemore as the man who had assaulted her.
According to police, detectives began an investigation that continued over the next several years, although McLemore's eventual move out of state and his travel overseas to play outside the U.S. caused "delays in the investigation."
FORMER TRAIL BLAZER BEN MCLEMORE CHARGED WITH RAPE: Why it took almost 3 years for him to be charged and what's next
The statement posted by Charania, attributed to McLemore, denies the allegations and claims that McLemore has fully cooperated with the investigation:
"The charges I was handed in court yesterday appear to allege that in 2021 I had sex with a woman who was too intoxicated to 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.
"The allegation dates back to October of 2021, during a time I played in Portland. It will take some time for us to uncover the facts. At this time, the prosecution has not provided my attorneys with any reports or evidence.
"My attorneys and I cooperated fully with the investigation. I met every request they made of me, immediately and professionally. I indicated that I was interested in testifying in the grand jury but was refused that opportunity. When my attorneys were informed of the charges, we immediately made plans for me to return to the United States for the first court appearance — and informed all law enforcement authorities and the Court of my travel plan. I could not have done more to assist in the process.
"The truth will come to light. I am confident we will prevail and my name will be cleared.
"Thank you all for your support. I appreciate all of you and am confident this will turn out as it should."
A Clackamas County grand jury heard evidence in the case in February of this year, including testimony from the survivor, and issued an indictment against McLemore, accompanied by an arrest warrant. Court documents suggest the survivor was incapable of consent due to mental and physical limitations.
U.S. Marshals arrested McLemore at the Portland International Airport on Tuesday. According to ESPN, he was released from jail by Wednesday evening after his arraignment. Bail was set at $500,000, so McLemore was required to post $50,000.
McLemore's next court hearing is July 1 at 10 a.m. at Clackamas County Circuit Court.