By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ben McLemore reacted to being sentenced to 100 months in prison after being found guilty on rape and sexual assault charges, stressing that ‘this fight is not over’.
On Friday afternoon, the 32-year-old guard shared his views and determination to challenge the decision via a post on his Instagram account.
“I want to start by saying that this has been one of the most painful and humbling moments of my life. I know there are people hurting, and I want to acknowledge the weight of everything that has happened. My heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted, and I mean that sincerely.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has stood by me, believed in me, and offered their love and support through this incredibly difficult time. Your encouragement has been a source of strength that I cannot fully put into words.
Basketball has been my lifeline for as long as I can remember. It gave a kid from St. Louis a chance to see the world and to create a life beyond anything I could have imagined. Through the game, I met mentors, teammates, and fans who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. I carry that gratitude with me every single day.
More than anything, I am a father. I love my two children with every part of me. They are my reason for everything. My greatest hope is that they grow into kind, strong, and compassionate people. I want them to be proud of the man I am working to become. Being away from them is heartbreaking, but I know I have to use this time to reflect, grow, and prepare myself to be the best version of the father they deserve.
This journey has been painful, humbling, and eye-opening. I was sentenced to eight years under Oregon’s Measure 11, a mandatory minimum sentencing law that removes judicial discretion for certain charges.
This sentence was handed down despite my having no prior criminal history, no record of violence, and despite testimony and evidence that painted a far more complex picture than what was ultimately accepted in court. Measure 11 leaves no room for consideration of the circumstances involved. In any case, it removed the opportunity for a fair and personalized evaluation.
That night involved alcohol consumption by both parties, something acknowledged by all sides. Key witnesses, including individuals close to the situation, testified that events did not unfold the way they were later portrayed. The timeline and details introduced during trial raised serious questions, questions that, unfortunately, went unaddressed under the constraints of the law as it stands.
This was not a violent or predatory act. It was a situation involving impaired judgment on both sides, which has been mischaracterized in ways that do not reflect the truth.
To everyone who truly knows me, you know the kind of man I am. I have always tried to live with love and kindness. I am gentle. I show up for my people. I care deeply for those around me. Even in this dark moment, I still believe in the power of grace and redemption. I believe in second chances, and I am going to work every day to earn mine.
I want to be clear: I maintain my innocence.
I have never violated anyone, and I will never stop fighting to prove that. I believe in truth, and I believe that justice is still possible. This fight is not over. I remain committed to clearing my name and pursuing the justice I know is possible.
To my mother – I am so sorry. I know this has hurt you deeply, and the pain you’re carrying weighs heavily on my heart. You’ve been my rock through every stage of life, and I carry a heavy heart knowing this has brought you sadness. Please know that I’m doing everything I can to make you proud again. Your strength, your love, and your faith in me mean more than I can ever express.
To my brother, sisters, nieces, and nephew, I’m so sorry we have to go through this again, but we will get through this. I love y’all with everything in me.
I know not everyone will understand. But to those who continue to stand with me, who see my heart and believe in who I truly am, thank you. Your love means more than I can ever put into words.
With humility and determination,
Ben McLemore”
Coming out of Kansas, he was selected with the seventh overall pick of the 2013 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. With a career in the league stretching to nearly a decade, he logged 571 appearances. Over the two previous seasons, he used overseas options, displaying his talents in China, Greece, Spain, and Turkiye.