Former Seattle SuperSonics forward Shawn Kemp has been sentenced to 12 months of community service for his role in a 2023 shooting incident outside the Tacoma Mall, according to KIRO 7.
The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree assault earlier this year after reaching a plea agreement with the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He was initially facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault with a firearm and drive-by shooting.
Under the agreement, Kemp must complete a total of 240 hours of community service as part of his sentence. The outcome spares him from potential prison time that could have stemmed from the original charges.
“Shawn is extremely grateful that the Court exercised its discretion to not impose any jail time and further based that decision on the fact that Shawn’s actions occurred as a result of a failed attempt of self defense,” Kemp’s attorney said in a statement, via Marc J. Spears. “Shawn is genuinely regretful of certain decisions he made that day and is committed to working with kids to help them understand the potential consequences of not thinking twice or acting impulsively. Shawn wants to thank his legal team of Tim Leary and Aaron Kiviat, his consultant Paula Sardinas, and of course his family and all of his close friends and supporters. Shawn now looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact as a community leader, mentor, and small business owner.”
Court filings revealed conflicting versions of the incident. Kemp maintained that he discharged his firearm after retreating to his car, but video surveillance contradicted that account by showing him firing shots immediately after exiting the vehicle.
The case drew significant attention due to Kemp’s legacy in Seattle. Widely known as “Reign Man,” he was a six-time NBA All-Star and central figure of the SuperSonics’ 1990s playoff runs, including their 1996 NBA Finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls.
Kemp’s sentencing closes a lengthy legal process that began when Tacoma police arrested him following the March 2023 shooting. No injuries were reported in the incident, but the charges initially carried the potential for decades behind bars.
His plea to a reduced charge significantly lowered the severity of the case, allowing the court to issue a community service penalty rather than a custodial sentence.
