Former Seattle Supersonics star Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree assault following his role after allegedly firing a gun in the parking lot of Tacoma Mall in Tacoma, Washington in March 2023. A representative for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office told TMZ Sports that Kemp faced one count of first-degree assault after police said he fired a gun during a dispute two years ago outside of the shopping area.
Kemp’s attorney, W. Scott Boatman, previously stated his client’s actions were “reasonable and legally justified” after several personal items were stolen from his vehicle. Boatman said Kemp only opened fire after he was shot at by occupants inside of a car once he tracked his stolen iPhone to that location. Kemp stayed on the scene in 2023 and assisted police with their investigation, insisting self-defense, per Boatman.
On the date of the alleged incident, the Tacoma Police Department released the following report:
Since his retirement, Kemp has dealt with a series of run-ins with the law. He was arrested in 2006 for drug possession in Washington after he was found with cocaine, marijuana and a semiautomatic pistol. Later that year, Kemp faced a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession.
A six-time NBA all-star, Kemp was best known for his statistically-dominant years with the Supersonics, but also played for the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers over an impressive 14-year NBA resume.
