Former NBA guard Ben McLemore was sentenced to 100 months in prison on Wednesday after being found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman in Oregon in 2021.A jury from Clackamas County Circuit Court found McLemore, 32, guilty last week on one charge of first-degree rape, one charge of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. He was found not guilty of an additional second-degree sexual abuse charge.McLemore, who pleaded not guilty to all four counts, didnt address the court on Wednesday while his sentence was read to him.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Many people are often afraid to report this type of conduct for a number of reasons," Clackamas County First Assistant District Attorney Scott Healy said in a statement, per ESPN."Hopefully the victim's strength and courage in this case will give others the fortitude to come forward in circumstances where sexual assault has occurred. The sentence the defendant received today should serve as a reminder that this type of conduct will not be tolerated in our community, and that the Clackamas County DA's Office will always work hard to hold offenders accountable and provide justice to victims."EX-NBA PLAYER BEN MCLEMORE FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE AFTER 11-DAY OREGON TRIALThe incident occurred in Lake Oswego, Oregon, in October 2021, when McLemore was identified as a suspect by authorities after the womans complaint.The woman appeared on video on Wednesday, reading a statement aloud for the court."This has been the longest almost four years of my life. I never imagined that reporting this back in 2021 would lead to such an incredibly difficult and long journey," she said, per ESPN. "These last few years have often felt like a weight that I've had to drag behind me, a constant reminder of the trauma that I haven't been able to fully work through because there was no ending in sight. I now understand, on a deep level, why so many victims hesitate or never report what happened to them."In February 2024, a Clackamas County grand jury listened to evidence in the case, which included the womans testimony saying McLemore assaulted her. McLemore was arrested two months later by U.S. Marshals.During the trial, Healy told the jury the woman passed out on a living room couch around 2 a.m. after drinking heavily. She regained partial consciousness the next morning, when McLemore sexually penetrated her and then proceeded to have sex with her.McLemores team of attorneys disputed the claims, saying she initiated sexual contact and consented to it. The lawyers also claimed the woman was sober enough to consent to sexual contact.McLemore, a Kansas product, played nine seasons in the NBA, five with the Sacramento Kings, who took him seventh overall in the 2013 NBA Draft.He bounced around the league toward the end, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and, finally, the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021-22 season.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office released an X post on Wednesday addressing the recent lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice against the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) over alleged Title IX violations.In the post, the press office made sure to clarify that Newsom is not named in the lawsuit."Since a lot of folks on here have become legal experts in the last few hours, would point out the Governor is not named as a party in this lawsuit," the post read.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe post did not address the morality of allowing biological males in girls sports. However, the post did defend the state's current handling of the situation, arguing against how President Donald Trump's administration has tried to apply Title IX in practice."The California Department of Education (CDE) and CIF are both *independent* from the Newsom admin, and they are following existing state law a law that was passed in 2013, signed by Governor Jerry Brown, and in line with 21 other states. No court has adopted the interpretation of Title IX that is being advanced by the Trump Admin, and neither the Governor, nor they, get to wave a magic wand and override it unlike Donald Trump, California follows the law, not personal opinions," the post read."No court has adopted the interpretation of Title IX that is being advanced by the Trump Admin, and neither the Governor, nor they, get to wave a magic wand and override it unlike Donald Trump, California follows the law, not personal opinions."The post was criticized on X.On Tuesday, Newsom was asked again about his thoughts on transgender athletes competing in girls and womens sports."I struggled with the issue of fairness when it came to sports," he said at an event in South Carolina. "And we tried to figure that out a couple of years ago, and we were unsuccessful, and we struggled with that recently."And my position is that I dont think its fair, but I also think its demeaning to talk down to people, and to belittle the trans community. And I dont like the way the right wing talks about the trans community. These people just want to survive."REP KEVIN KILEY REFLECTS ON IMPACT OF CALIFORNIA TRANS ATHLETE CONFLICT AMID STATE'S BATTLE WITH TRUMPNewsom said in a statement that the CDE and CIF were following laws enacted in 2013.The DOJ's lawsuit is asking for an injunction on the states policy allowing males to compete against females in sports.Californias policies "eviscerate equal athletic opportunities for girls they also require girls to share intimate spaces, such as locker rooms, with boys, causing a hostile educational environment that denies girls educational opportunities," the lawsuit said."The results of these illegal policies are stark: girls are displaced from podiums, denied awards, and miss out on critical visibility for college scholarships and recognition."The states current policy allows athletes to participate in sports "consistent with" their gender identity. State officials have maintained that this doesnt violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.The CIF told Fox News Digital it doesn't comment on legal matters.The CDE had no comment on pending litigation.The U.S. Education Department recently found California in violation of Title IX. However, the CDE and CIF both declined to sign the proposed resolution agreement offered by the department late last month. The CDE and CIF were given until July 7 to meet the demand. They refused, and now a legal battle will ensue.It will be the second legal battle the DOJ is fighting over the issue, having launched a similar one against Maine back in April.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A Southern California bishop issued a rare decree on Tuesday excusing churchgoers from attending Sunday mass amid fears of immigration raids and detentions across the country.The dispensation by the diocese of San Bernardino, California, is in response to the Trump administration's mass deportation operations.On Tuesday, San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas announced his decree.GOV GAVIN NEWSOM: TRUMP IS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR DEMOCRACY. DO NOT LET HIM"All members or the Faithful in the Diocese of Jan Bernardino who, due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions, are unable to attend Sunday Mass or Masses on holy days of obligation are dispensed from this obligation," he wrote.Meanwhile, Rojas encouraged parishioners to engage in alternative spiritual practices.Normally, Catholic bishops have issued such decrees during times of natural disasters, war and other extreme events."In issuing this decree, I am guided by the Churchs mission to care for the spiritual welfare of all entrusted to my care, particularly those who face fear or hardship," Rojas wrote.The Diocese of San Bernardino is the sixth largest in the United States, and serves around 1 million Catholics in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.FEDERAL JUDGE REFUSES TO BLOCK TRUMP'S LA NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT ON NEWSOM'S TIMEFRAMETuesday's announcement came after immigration authorities conducted an operation at a Los Angeles park a day earlier. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass appeared at the scene demanding an end to the raid."They need to leave, and they need to leave right now," she said at MacArthur Park. "They need to leave because this is unacceptable!"California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has heavily criticized President Donald Trump over his illegal immigration crackdown, said the decree was in response to the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, including immigration raids on courthouses and public spaces. "Freedom of religion? Not in Donald Trumps America," Newsom wrote on X. "People now have to choose between their faith and their freedom."In response to his remark, a White House spokesperson noted that Newsom closed churches during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many churchgoers without a place to worship."This is rich coming from Gavin Newsom who shuttered churches during the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened the movie industry, marijuana dispensaries, and other secular gathering places," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Religious Americans were locked out of their places of worship because of him. Newscum doesnt care about religious liberty, he cares about flip-flopping around to try and exploit everything he can for perceived political gain."Catholic priest and author James Martin praised the move by the diocese.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"It is a dramatic sign that not even Catholic churches are considered safe places any longer. Where are the voices for religious freedom now?" he wrote on X. In May, the Diocese of Nashville issued a similar decree in response to immigration enforcement activities."Our churches remain open to welcome and serve our parish communities, but no Catholic is obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so puts their safety at risk," the decree said at the time.

Rep.Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said in a new podcast interview that she "broke down in tears" seeing California Sen. Alex Padillas forcible removal from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in June.The Democratic firebrand was a guest on comedian Hasan Minhajs podcast posted Wednesday, where she reacted to the viral incident."I had no warning whatsoever. And so I see they're playing a loop of what happened to Senator Padilla. And I literally just broke down in tears and started crying," Crockett said as she recounted seeing the video playing on television at the time."Its hard for me to imagine, even just looking at Sen. Padilla. This is the first Latino senator that the state of California has ever had," she continued. "He's the senior senator in the state and then theres no respect. Not a modicum of respect for him, nor his position nor his humanity."DEMOCRAT SENATOR FORCIBLY REMOVED AFTER CRASHING DHS SECRETARY NOEM'S PRESS CONFERENCESheclarified that she didn't think anyone should have "ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] take you down to the ground" because "you have the audacity" to exercise free speech."It tells you how sinister this administration is," Crockett continued.During a DHS press conference with Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on June 12, Padilla entered the room and interrupted the Homeland Security Secretary as she was giving prepared remarks. Videos of the incident showed that he did not immediately identify himself, and was quickly swarmed by Secret Service and FBI agents, who bellowed "hands up.""I'm Sen. Alex Padilla," he said amid the scuffle. "I have questions for the secretary."DEM SENATOR'S VIRAL OUTBURST AT DHS PRESSER TRIGGERS MIXED REACTIONS FROM LAWMAKERS: 'DISGUSTING SITUATION'He was taken from the room and brought to the floor where he was briefly handcuffed while the press conference continued. Though Noem met with the senator afterward, video of officers bringing Padilla to the ground quickly spread and triggered a media firestorm.Republicans accused the senator of making a "spectacle" of himself, while over 200 Democrats from both chambers condemned the "unprecedented incident."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREThe tense situation occurred as riots raged in Los Angeles in response to ICE raids.The violent protests and unrest triggered President Donald Trump to mobilize the National Guard in response and for curfews to be enacted in the city.

LeBron James left his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time after the 2017-18 season. He's spent the past seven NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning a championship with the franchise in 2020.James entered this offseason with a $52.6 million player option, which he ultimately decided to exercise for the 2025-26 season. Despite the decision, James could be open to at least exploring options with other teams before the new season tips off in the fall.James has already played 21 NBA seasons and will celebrate his 41st birthday a few months into next season. While it is unclear exactly how much longer James will continue playing in the league, he is certainly much closer to the end of his storied career than he is to the beginning or even mid-point.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMLakers insider Jovan Buha recently offered his perspective on where the four-time NBA champion's relationship stands with the Purple and Gold."I mean, I want to be careful with what I say about Bron's relationship with the front office or the organization, but I dont think its in the best place right now, to be completely honest," Buha said during an appearance on his "Buha's Block" podcast.LEBRON JAMES REACTS TO SPECULATION AFTER HE PRACTICED AT CAVALIERS' FACILITY: 'YALL BORED MAN'Klutch Sports founder and CEO Rich Paul, who also represents James, told ESPN that James "will be closely monitoring the Lakers' moves and whether the team is positioning itself this offseason to field a title-contending roster."Buha also highlighted the lack of an "official statement" from the Lakers in the hours and subsequent days following him exercising his player option."As you know, theres been no official statement about LeBron opting in. There typically is especially for a player of that magnitude," Buha noted. "And then hes had his stuff on social media or whatever hes posted, and there was obviously the statement when he opted in. So, I dont think things are in the best place theyve ever been. Ill just say that. Make of that what you want."ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who has spent the past two decades following James' career, recently hinted at the possibility of James being involved in a trade that placed him with a different team."I would have said, four days ago when LeBron opted into his contract, I would have said there was no chance of him getting traded. At the time, I just didn't think so," Windhorst said last week on ESPN Cleveland, according to Real GM."After having conversations over the last three or four days, I'm no longer saying there is no chance. I am not saying it's likely, but I cannot responsibly say there's no chance anymore."The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic via a shocking blockbuster trade in February. But the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in April.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday called for a special session to consider legislation to improve warning systems and emergency response in flood-prone areas across the state.The proclamation comes days after more than 100 people died, and nearly 200 others went missing, in the July Fourth Texas Hill Country floods.The floods, which were caused by excessive rainfall near the Guadalupe River, swept away people and homes across multiple counties early Friday morning. Officials said the river rose nearly 30 feet within 45 minutes.SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY ALERTS: HOW TO GET LOUD PHONE WARNINGSFollowing the disaster, which claimed the lives of 27 campers at a riverfront youth camp, citizens criticized an apparent lack of prior notice.The National Weather Service (NWS) said notifications were expanded about 12 hours before the tragedy, though the warning remained "moderate."TEXAS RIVER FLOODS AS EMERGENCY CREWS RACE TO FIND OTHERS MISSING; CAMP EVACUATEDAbbott specifically called for new legislation to improve early warning systems and other preparedness infrastructure, strengthen emergency communications and other response infrastructure, provide relief funding, and evaluate and streamline rules and regulations to speed preparedness for and recovery from natural disasters.Other legislation requests unrelated to the floods but included in the proclamation surrounded eduction, taxes, abortion, human trafficking, crime and public safety, elections and redistricting, and hemp-derived products.DEADLY TEXAS FLOOD EXPOSES 'NEGLECTED' WEATHER ALERT SYSTEM TRUMP AIMS TO MODERNIZEDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem addressed flood notification failures at a news conference on Saturday, claiming the administration was working on updating the National Weather Service and NOAA's "neglected" and "ancient" systems.Noem vowed to upgrade the weather service technology, which she described as being "neglected for far too long," to ensure families have "as much advanced notice as possible."She added reform is ongoing, though she did not provide a timeline.Skeptics argued the upgrades are unlikely due to the reduced National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) workforce following Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) spending cuts.Democrats previously alleged more than 880 NOAA workers were laid off, though a spokesperson would not confirm a specific number.

The Biden-era kid gloves are off.On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the United States is imposing sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the controversial United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights."Albaneses campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated," Rubio posted on X. "We will always stand by our partners in their right to self-defense."Albanese has pushed to haul U.S. and Israeli officials before the International Criminal Court (ICC), drawing outrage from lawmakers, diplomats, and human rights advocates alike.UN REPORT TARGETING ISRAEL SPARKS BACKLASH, AUTHOR ACCUSED OF OVERSTEPPING HER MANDATEIn multiple reports and public comments since her 2022 appointment, Albanese has accused Israel of apartheid and dismissed Hamas violence as "not surprising." According to her July 2025 report to the UN Human Rights Council, Albanese claimed the U.S. may be liable for the international crime of aggression for President Trump's strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.Albanese has also taken aim at American-based companies supplying defense technologies to Israel, suggesting they should face legal consequences for "aiding and abetting" alleged crimes. In a nowdeleted 2022 post, she questioned whether "the Jewish lobby" controlled U.S. foreign policy, a comment she later retracted amid criticisms that it espoused antisemitism."The State Department is to be congratulated for finally taking action against Albanese, her virulent and violent antisemitism and her constant attacks on the United States, American businesses and the very existence of the State of Israel," said Anne Bayefsky, President of Human Rights Voices, in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital."Albanese poses a direct threat to the well-being and security of U.S. citizens - not to mention her utter disregard for the theoretical purposes and principles of the United Nations - and as such, the United States is not obligated to admit her. President Trump's Executive Order requiring action on international actors bent on throwing American and Israeli soldiers into International Criminal Court dungeons in the Hague needs even more enforcement," Bayefsky added.UN EXPERT REPEATS ISRAEL 'GENOCIDE' CLAIMS AFTER US CALLS FOR HER REMOVAL"Add Navi Pillay and her diabolical UN Commission of Inquiry. There is an answer for those who would incorrectly argue that the U.S. is impotent in the face of the U.S-UN host agreement: kick the UN out of the U.S. along with Albanese and her UN partners in crime," the statement concluded.Israeli leaders quickly backed Rubios move. "A clear message. Time for the UN to pay attention!" Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted in response.Israels UN Ambassador Danny Danon also weighed in to the Jerusalem Post: "Albanese consistently undermines the credibility of the UN by promoting false and dangerous narratives We will not remain silent."Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, weighed in with a statement to Fox News Digital, writing: "This is a bold and courageous move by Secretary Rubio. No UN official in this case, a purported official, as her reappointment was illegal has ever been sanctioned before in history. Then again, no UN official has ever been condemned for Holocaust distortion and antisemitism by France, Germany, Canada, and both Democratic and Republican US administrations.""She will never again spread her poison on American campuses or enter the country. Justice is served. Good triumphs over evil."Fox News Digital reached out to the UN for comment on the sanctions against Albanese, but did not immediately receive a response.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe State Department referred Fox News Digital to Secretary Rubio's July 9 X post when asked for comment.

Volunteers have descended upon Kerr County, Texas, in the days following last weekends disastrous flood.While many have come to help with searches, cleanup efforts and donations, others are looking to heal the community in a different way.Several faith-based groups are working to help survivors and victims families lean on God as they grapple with the long road to recovery.Josh Holland, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, spoke with Fox News Digital about the impact of ministering to people who have gone through recent tragedies. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team focuses on the spiritual and emotional needs of people in crisis, making it a good fit to help those in Kerrville through this difficult time.POLICE SAY 'SIGHTSEERS' HINDERING TEXAS RECOVERY EFFORTS AS TEAMS SEARCH FOR VICTIMS IN DEBRIS"As our crisis-trained chaplains know, there are no words to say that will make things better in moments like this. There are no magic phrases. All we can do as Christians is to come alongside people, to be a listening ear, to be a shoulder to lean on, to cry with them," Holland told Fox News Digital. "The Bible talks about how we mourn with those who mourn."Holland noted that in small communities like Kerrville, "everybody knows somebody whos been affected" and said he felt "a very heavy, solemn spirit and atmosphere" in the town.TEXAS TURNS TO FAITH AS GOV. ABBOTT DECLARES 'DAY OF PRAYER' AMID DEVASTATING FLOODSMax Greiner Jr., an artist whose work is inspired by his faith, is the designer of the Coming King Sculpture Prayer Gardens and said the place has always given peace to people in dark times, and it has taken on a new meaning since the flood."This is a strong faith community, and I dont know how people make it if they dont have that faith," Greiner said, adding that faith in God is "helping these people cope."The gardens are marked by a massive cross, which Greiner said is the exact halfway point between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and that the monument is on the same latitude as Israel."We want the families, the wounded, to come up here when they need a break from all of the bad. Theres death down on the river, but theres life up on this mountain," Greiner told Fox News Digital.FOX CORPORATION LAUNCHES RELIEF CAMPAIGN FOLLOWING DEVASTATING TEXAS FLOODSMarcus Breaux, the National Director at Soldiers of Christ Ministries, wants people to remember that there are multiple ways to help those devastated by the floods in Texas."Do not be discouraged. There are ways for people to get involved, whether it's donations, whether it is giving a pack of paper towels or toilet paper, whatever, there's a way that you can get involved. I ask people to pray on how the Holy Spirit allows them to do it and what their response is, but there is definitely a need in this community," Breaux said.Additionally, Matt Husted of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team told Fox News Digital that giving people "reassurance that God is looking over them" is important in times of crisis.There are several faith-based organizations already on the ground assisting victims. Many people working with these organizations encouraged everyone to pray for those who were injured, those who lost loved ones and those whose homes were damaged or destroyed, as well as first responders.

A Washington state woman plans to install a security system rather than pull down pro-Trump messaging from her windows after her home was struck by bullets over the weekend in what she says was a politically motivated attack.FOX 13 in Seattle reported that a shooting early Sunday morning left several holes in the Ballard area of the city homes windows while damaging a pickup truck parked outside.The woman, who preferred to remain nameless, told the news station the shooter seemed to target political stickers and pictures in the window.DEMOCRATIC LEADERS ACCUSE TRUMP OF LEGITIMIZING POLITICAL VIOLENCE THAT LED TO MINNESOTA SHOOTINGSThe pictures and stickers included President Donald Trump, a Confederate flag and a sticker that read, "Police Lives Matter."A red pickup truck with a flag was also damaged when two windows were shattered in the shooting.Fox News Digital has reached out to the Seattle Police Department for information about the shooting.ALEX PADILLA BLAMES FIRST TRUMP CAMPAIGN FOR IGNITING POLITICAL TENSIONS IN WAKE OF MINNESOTA SHOOTINGSFOX 13 spoke to the homeowner, who said this was the second time in two years that her house had been targeted.The first time the house was shot was on New Year's Eve heading into 2024. During that shooting, she told the station, a bullet flew into a cabinet.FBI TO PROBE CLAIMS OF 'TARGETED VIOLENCE' AGAINST RELIGIOUS GROUPS AFTER EVANGELICALS' PROTEST IN SEATTLEThe shutters were closed when the house was shot on Sunday, and the homeowner said it may have helped stop some of the impact from the bullets.Once the bullets were done flying, the woman said she looked outside and allegedly saw a man walking across the street, the station reported.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDespite this being the second time the house was shot at, the homeowner said she does not have plans to take down the political statements.Instead, she noted, she plans to have security cameras installed.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders wants to focus on his next season with his team not his health issues.Unfortunately for him, it was a big question heading into Big 12 media day on Wednesday, as Sanders missed part of the spring and early summer with the Buffaloes due to an unspecified health issue.Sanders didnt divulge what he was dealing with, but he said he is "already back" to normal and will return to Boulder soon to prepare for the new year.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Im here today," he said, per ESPN. "I'm handling my responsibilities. So, I look forward to it. I can't wait. You've got to understand, some of the young [players] I haven't even met yet. I'm so excited about that."Sanders has dealt with blood clots in his legs in the past. He also had two toes on his left foot amputated in 2021, which has been well documented while he was coaching at Jackson State. He had to miss three games while being hospitalized at the time.COLORADO'S DEION SANDERS ASSURES FANS HE'S OK AMID HEALTH CONCERNSBut Sanders, alongside former Dallas Cowboys teammate Michael Irvin and more, was ready to answer all things Colorado on Wednesday, imploring he is all good."Im not here to talk about my health. Im here to talk about my team," he said."Im looking good. Im living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world, not a want or desire in the world."Sanders agreed to a five-year extension worth $54 million to remain head coach of the Buffaloes.With his son Shedeur Sanders preparing for his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, "Coach Prime" will be focused on choosing the right man to be his successor under center.Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty, will be going up against Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis for the starting role at quarterback. They were both present at Big 12 media day, with Salter saying its been "less contact" with Sanders, but health is a priority for coaches as much as players."We want him to take his time and come back when hes ready to so he can coach us fully healthy," Salter said, per ESPN.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.