Former NBA star Shawn Kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in a 2023 shooting incident outside Tacoma Mall, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, as reported by Jonah Oaklief of MyNorthWest.com.
Initially charged with first-degree assault with a firearm, Kemp now faces a reduced charge following court negotiations.
The 55-year-old ex-Seattle SuperSonics player was also initially charged with a second count of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, which carried the risk of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Kemp’s plea reduces his potential penalties significantly.
Court documents revealed conflicting accounts about the shooting. Kemp claimed he fired shots after retreating to his car, but video evidence showed he began shooting immediately after leaving the vehicle. This discrepancy was a key factor during legal proceedings.
The case attracted widespread attention given Kemp’s past as a prominent NBA figure in the 1990s and early 2000s. Kemp is best remembered for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he was a six-time NBA All-Star.
Details on sentencing have yet to be released by the Pierce County court. The plea agreement could allow for a lesser sentence than originally anticipated.
