Shawn Kemp, once one of the most explosive power forwards in the NBA, is now facing legal consequences off the court. The 54-year-old former Seattle Supersonics star has pleaded guilty to a second-degree assault charge connected to a 2023 shooting in a Tacoma, Washington shopping mall parking lot.
The plea deal, confirmed by the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, brings a dramatic shift in the case. Kemp had originally been charged with first-degree assault, a more serious offense, but agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge during a court appearance on Tuesday morning.
From self-defense claim to plea deal
When the incident occurred in March 2023, Kemp’s legal team claimed that he had acted in self-defense. His attorneys argued that he had been attempting to recover stolen property and only fired his weapon when threatened. At the time, Kemp maintained that his actions were “reasonable and legally justified.”
Despite that initial not-guilty plea, both sides ultimately reached an agreement ahead of trial. The deal allows prosecutors and Kemp’s defense team to make separate sentencing recommendations to the judge, which leaves Kemp’s final penalty up in the air.
Sentencing still uncertain
What Kemp’s punishment will look like remains unclear. With an “open sentencing recommendation” in place, both the prosecution and defense are free to argue their case at the August 22 sentencing hearing. That means Kemp could potentially avoid jail time altogether-or face significant consequences, depending on how the judge weighs the case.
So far, neither side has revealed what sentencing recommendations they plan to submit.
A career remembered, a future unknown
Kemp rose to fame in the 1990s with the Seattle Supersonics, earning six All-Star selections and becoming one of the most recognizable players of his era thanks to his high-flying dunks and physical presence on the court. He later played for Cleveland, Portland, and Orlando before retiring in 2003.
Now, decades after thrilling fans on the hardwood, Kemp faces a very different kind of spotlight. With sentencing just weeks away, one of Seattle’s basketball legends awaits a decision that could shape the next chapter of his life.
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