Ex NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp sentenced to 30 days of confinement in gun-related case

Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp has been sentenced to 30 days of electronic home monitoring following his involvement in a 2023 parking lot shooting in Tacoma, Washington. The decision, handed down by Pierce County Judge Michael Schwartz, allowed the former Seattle SuperSonics star to avoid jail time despite prosecutors pushing for a nine-month sentence.

Along with home confinement, Kemp must complete 240 hours of community service and serve one year of supervised release.

Shawn Kemp escapes prison time, ordered to serve home monitoring over parking lot shooting incident

Shawn Kemp, dressed in a navy blazer, tan pants, and a light blue tie, appeared composed during the hearing. Before sentencing, he addressed the courtroom directly, saying he was “very apologetic” for the choices that brought him before the court.

The case stemmed from an incident in March 2023, when Kemp tracked his stolen phone to the Tacoma Mall parking lot.

Believing the suspects had fired at him first, he returned fire, though no one was struck. Prosecutors argued there was no evidence the men fired a weapon, while Kemp’s defense pointed to an empty holster found in their abandoned vehicle and the suspects’ lengthy criminal records.Judge Schwartz acknowledged Kemp’s frustration but emphasized that restraint should have prevailed. “I cannot state strongly enough this could have been easily avoided by simply walking away.

Property is replaceable, human life is not,” the judge said.Kemp ultimately pleaded guilty in May to a reduced charge of second-degree assault, a deal that lowered his prison risk. In court documents, his defense attorney Timothy Leary stressed that the public backlash had been punishment in itself, writing, “The public scorn, disappointment, embarrassment and personal shame weighs heavy on Mr. Kemp. That punishment lasts much longer than any jail sentence.”

Shawn Kemp’s trouble is far from over

While Kemp avoided incarceration, the consequences extend beyond his sentence. One of the men involved, now serving time at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, has filed a lawsuit against him, claiming “The assault against me by Mr. Kemp has left me paralyzed with fear and hopelessness about the future.” The lawsuit seeks damages for both emotional suffering and medical costs.The conviction also places Kemp’s cannabis business at risk.

Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board has guidelines against renewing licenses for those with recent felony convictions. “It’s up to the board to make those decisions,” spokesperson Brian Smith said. “Our guidelines say no. If you are convicted of a felony within 10 years, our guidelines say not to go forward with that license.” Kemp, who owns 10% of the business he launched in 2020, could be forced out if the license is challenged.After sentencing, Kemp told reporters the experience has been life-changing. “This is the first time I’ve ever been in trouble. I’m frustrated with myself because I believe I could have made a better decision with the law,” he said.

Despite the setback, Kemp vowed to redirect his focus. His attorney, W. Scott Boatman, added, “Shawn is genuinely regretful of certain decisions he made that day and is committed to working with kids to help them understand the potential consequences of not thinking twice or acting impulsively.”Also Read: NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal agrees to celebrity fight with Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston following viral callout