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[Saba Sports News] Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp has taken a significant step toward resolving his legal case stemming from a 2023 shooting incident.
Kemp was arrested in March 2023 after discharging a firearm in a shopping mall parking lot in Tacoma, Washington. He was initially charged with first-degree assault, a felony, with authorities alleging he was involved in a drive-by shooting. Kemp, however, maintained that he acted in self-defense.
According to sources, Kemp reached a plea agreement on Tuesday with the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, pleading guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree assault. The 55-year-old is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on August 22.
Kemp had previously pleaded not guilty, with his legal team asserting that his actions were “reasonable and legally justified.” His attorney claimed Kemp had tracked down a suspect who had stolen from him and only fired his weapon after being shot at first.
It remains unclear whether Kemp will serve jail time following the plea deal.
A six-time NBA All-Star, Kemp played the bulk of his career with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1989 to 1997. He famously formed a dynamic duo with Gary Payton, helping lead Seattle to the NBA Finals in 1996. Nicknamed the “Reign Man,” Kemp averaged a double-double for six straight seasons and was celebrated for his powerful dunks and athleticism.
In recent years, Kemp has remained active in the Seattle community, opening a cannabis dispensary in the city in October 2020.