Former NBA Star Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty To Assault Charge For 2023 Shooting

Shawn Kemp got into a sticky situation in March 2023, which resulted in him allegedly firing a gun at two men in a vehicle. The former NBA star has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault, per an offer from the state that will yield a much shorter sentence than if he’d gone any other route.

The 55-year-old former hooper was initially charged with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement, but prosecutors added another count of assault and a drive-by shooting charge last week. The Pierce County Superior Court presented him with a plea agreement in conjunction with the county Prosecuting Attorney’s office. They are recommending he serve nine months in prison, one year under supervision after he is released, and also pay restitution. Kemp will also no longer be able to possess a firearm and provide a DNA sample to law enforcement.

“Shawn is committed to moving forward in a positive direction,” his attorney Tim Leary told The Seattle Times. “He was presented with an offer from the state that allows him to take responsibility, but I think also recognizes the self-defense nature of how this transpired.”

Shawn Kemp’s alleged shooting took place in a Washington state mall parking lot. His car was broken into while he and his cannabis dispensary employees were at a concert venue in Seattle, per the court documents. The robbers stole an employee’s purse, the keys to his business, a cellphone, paperwork, and game-worn Gary Payton and Kemp jerseys that he planned to auction off.

Kemp was able to find the robbers due to a phone tracking app, and they had a brief conversation. The men reportedly got rid of some of what they stole, but held onto the cellphone. Kemp found them again near the Tacoma mall, had another conversation where he “expressed his understandable frustration,” per the defense’s trial brief.

One of the robbers reportedly opened fire on Kemp first, causing him to shoot back and attempt to disable their vehicle. The robbers drove off, and their Toyota 4Runner was found abandoned days later. Neither of the men were injured, but their vehicle and another one were damaged.

Shawn Kemp played 14 seasons in the NBA, notably without ever stepping foot on a college basketball court. He was a premier forward and center for the Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic. Kemp’s resume includes six All-Star appearances and three All-NBA second teams.