Shawn Kemp pleads guilty to 2nd-degree assault in shooting incident

Field Level Media|published: Tue 27th May, 22:32 2025

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Oct 11, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Former NBA players Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton watch the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree assault in relation to a shooting incident outside a Tacoma, Wash., mall in March 2023.

According to reports, the prosecuting attorney suggested to the Pierce County Superior Court judge that Kemp be sentenced to nine months in jail plus a year of community custody while paying restitution to his victims. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 22.

Kemp, 55, pleaded guilty to firing at two men in a Toyota 4Runner. Kemp testified he had his cell phone, sports memorabilia and other belongings stolen from his truck. He traced his phone to the Toyota 4Runner and accosted the driver without any resolution.

Later, per his account, Kemp traced his phone to the Tacoma Mall and saw the same Toyota 4Runner. Though Kemp said he fired in self-defense after being targeted by someone in the car, a video showed Kemp started shooting as he emerged from his vehicle.

Kemp's shots did not hit anyone, but they damaged the 4Runner and another car. Both of his alleged targets are currently in jail on unrelated charges.

Kemp was selected by the SuperSonics in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft and spent the first eight of his 14 NBA seasons in Seattle. The "Reign Man" averaged 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game during his career. He made six consecutive All-Star appearances from 1993-98.

--Field Level Media