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Former Seattle SuperSonics star Shawn Kemp was arrested in 2023 for allegedly being the triggerman in a shooting. This week, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault as part of a plea deal.
It was in March of 2023 that the Tacoma Police Department announced they had arrested Shawn Kemp in connection to a shooting that occurred near the Tacoma Mall. Luckily, the altercation between Kemp in one car and the occupants of another car did not lead to any injuries.
Shortly after his arrest and video of the incident was released Shawn Kemp claimed that he had property, including his cell phone and a Gary Payton jersey, stolen from his car. He then tracked his phone to Tacoma and when he approached the vehicle, someone shot at him. He then fired back at them in what he said was self-defense and admitted to police that he discarded the gun in a nearby bush. Kemp also allegedly texted “I’m about to shoot this [expletive]” 13 minutes before he arrived at the mall.
Kemp, 55, who was nicknamed the Reign Man during his 14-year NBA career for his legendary dunks while playing for the Sonics, Cavs, Blazers and Magic, was charged with one count of assault in the first-degree. Prosecutors later added a second-degree assault charge.
According to The Athletic, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Howe has recommended a nine-month jail sentence for Kemp, a year of supervision by the Department of Corrections and for Kemp to pay restitution. Kemp’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22.
“Shawn is committed to moving forward in a positive direction,” Tim Leary, Kemp’s attorney, told The Athletic. “The Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office presented him with an offer that allowed him to take responsibility, but also recognized the self-defense aspects of how this incident transpired. It was undisputed that Dajaun Jackson and Joshua Puente were in possession of Mr. Kemp’s stolen property while driving a stolen vehicle. The agreement allows for Mr. Kemp to ask for a sentence of no jail time based upon the actions of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Puente.”
Jackson and Puente are both currently behind bars for unrelated crimes. One of them is reportedly suing Shawn Kemp for intentional infliction of emotional distress as a result of the shooting.