Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Assault Over Tacoma Shooting
A Tumultuous Afternoon at Tacoma Mall
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp found himself back in the headlines on Tuesday when he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. This development followed an incident that had occurred in March 2023 at the Tacoma Mall parking lot in Washington. Kemp, 55, initially faced a more severe charge of first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement. However, the charges were recently amended, adding another first-degree assault charge and a drive-by shooting accusation.
Details of the Incident Surface
On that eventful day, Kemp allegedly fired shots during a confrontation with two men, reportedly over stolen personal items. According to his attorney, W. Scott Boatman, Kemp’s actions were a response to being shot at after tracing his stolen iPhone to the parking lot. "His actions were reasonable and legally justified," Boatman had stated, emphasizing that Kemp remained at the scene to cooperate with police, claiming self-defense.
According to the Tacoma Police Department’s report, "At 1:58 pm, an altercation between the occupants of two cars led to shots being fired at a parking lot in the 4500 block of S. Steele St. One car fled. No injuries were reported. A gun was recovered. A 53-year-old male was booked for Drive-By Shooting. The investigation is ongoing."
Legal Troubles Beyond the Court
Kemp is no stranger to legal issues. The retired NBA player has previously faced legal challenges, including a 2006 arrest for drug possession when authorities found cocaine, marijuana, and a semiautomatic pistol in his possession. Later that same year, he was charged with a misdemeanor for marijuana possession. These incidents have cast a shadow over an otherwise illustrious sports career.
From All-Star Player to Legal Challenges
Known for his electrifying plays and explosive athleticism, Shawn Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star with the Seattle Supersonics. Throughout his 14-year career, he also played for other teams like the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his on-court achievements, Kemp's post-basketball life has been marred by legal troubles.
As he awaits sentencing on August 22, facing a potential decade behind bars and a hefty fine, Kemp's situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges some athletes face beyond their professional sports careers.