Former Seattle SuperSonics player Shawn Kemp has entered a guilty plea to a second-degree assault charge related to a shooting incident at the Tacoma Mall in March 2023. The announcement was made as his trial was set to begin alongside jury selection on Tuesday.
Kemp’s guilty plea reflects a reduction from the first-degree assault charge he initially faced. His sentencing is slated for August 22, as confirmed by the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to Kemp’s legal representation, he is looking to move forward positively following this incident. The attorney provided a statement highlighting that the plea deal allowed Kemp to acknowledge his responsibility while recognizing elements of self-defense in the case.
The events leading to the shooting occurred when Kemp reported a cellphone theft from his vehicle earlier on March 8. Following a series of events that included tracking the phone’s location, Kemp confronted individuals in an SUV at the Tacoma Mall parking lot. He stated that after being fired upon, he returned fire but police investigations revealed inconsistencies between his account and surveillance footage. The video allegedly shows him retrieving a firearm prior to his confrontation.
Kemp, a notable figure in basketball with a career spanning eight seasons with the SuperSonics, last played professionally in 2003. His situation serves as a reminder of the complex and challenging issues that can surround public figures.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, there remains a hopeful outlook for Kemp as he aims to move past this chapter of his life. The upcoming sentencing may mark a turning point for him, allowing an opportunity for rehabilitation and personal growth.