Former NBA star Shawn Kemp has been sentenced to 30 days of electronic home monitoring after a shooting incident in a mall parking lot in Washington state.
The ruling, issued Friday by Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Schwartz, spares the six-time All-Star from serving time in jail.
In addition to home monitoring, Kemp will be under one year of state Department of Corrections supervision and must complete 240 hours of community service. The sentence is far lighter than the nine months in jail and restitution initially recommended by prosecutors.
Judge Schwartz explained that the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted a lesser punishment. As the sentence was read, Kemp looked up at the ceiling, let out a huff of air, and repeatedly made the sign of the cross with his hand.
Kemp, who starred with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1989 to 1997, pleaded guilty to an assault charge in May as part of a plea agreement. He maintained that he acted in self-defense during the March 2023 incident.
According to case documents, Kemp’s vehicle, cellphone, and memorabilia had been stolen. Using a tracking app, he located the phone near the Tacoma Mall. Kemp confronted the men in a Toyota 4Runner, which had already been circling a casino parking lot earlier in the day.
Court filings stated that one of the men in the vehicle fired at Kemp first, prompting him to return fire in an attempt to disable the SUV. The 4Runner fled the scene. When it was recovered days later, authorities discovered an empty holster inside but no weapon.
The defense argued that Kemp’s reaction was provoked by the theft and threat posed by the men, and the judge accepted the reasoning.
Speaking after the hearing, Kemp admitted that the case had been a heavy burden. “The last three years have been tough,” he said. The former NBA forward vowed to become an advocate against gun violence, especially among young people. “Think twice when you get mad. Think twice when you get a little upset,” Kemp urged.
Several supporters submitted letters to the court on Kemp’s behalf, and around 30 people attended the hearing, including his pastor and former NFL star Marshawn Lynch. Kemp was seen embracing his son after the sentencing.
Kemp entered the NBA in 1989 at just 20 years old, known for his explosive dunks and athleticism. Beyond Seattle, he played for Cleveland, Portland, and Orlando. Today, he runs two licensed cannabis stores in Seattle while maintaining a strong presence in the local community.
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