TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Former NBA player Shawn Kemp was sentenced on Friday to 30 days of electronic home monitoring for firing shots at two individuals inside a vehicle located in a mall parking lot in Washington state.
According to The Seattle Times, Kemp must commence his home monitoring within two weeks. Additionally, he is required to undergo one year of supervision by the state Department of Corrections and to complete 240 hours of community service.
Prosecutors had recommended the six-time NBA All-Star be sentenced to nine months in jail, a year of supervision and pay restitution.
Judge Michael Schwartz of Pierce County Superior Court determined that the context of the incident justified a reduced sentence, which allowed Kemp to avoid jail time.
Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence. He then repeatedly made the sign of the cross with his hand.
Kemp, who played for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1989 to 1997, pleaded guilty to an assault charge in May as part of a plea agreement.
No one was hurt in the March 2023 shooting.
Kemp said he acted in self-defense and returned fire after one of the men shot at him from inside their Toyota 4Runner vehicle.
The defense argued that the two men involved in the incident provoked Kemp by stealing his truck, cellphone, and memorabilia in Seattle. The judge concurred with this claim.
Using a tracking app, Kemp located and attempted a brief conversation with the driver of the 4Runner, which was circulating a casino parking lot, according to trial documents. The individuals in the vehicle disposed of some of Kemp’s belongings but retained his phone, according to the brief.
Later, Kemp tracked his phone to the Tacoma Mall, saw the same 4Runner, and “expressed his understandable frustration” with the driver, as per the brief. The person in the back seat “fired a shot from a handgun at Mr. Kemp. Mr. Kemp shot back and tried to disable the Toyota. It did not work,” the document stated.
The 4Runner fled, and when the vehicle was found abandoned days later, an empty holster was found inside but there was no gun, according to court documents.
After the hearing, Kemp said in an interview that “the last three years have been tough.” He said he plans to be an advocate against gun violence, especially among youth.
“Think twice,” he said. “Think twice when you get mad. Think twice when you get a little upset.”
Several people sent letters of support to the court on Kemp’s behalf. About 30 people attended the hearing, including his pastor and former NFL star Marshawn Lynch.
Kemp debuted in the NBA during the 1989-90 season as a 20-year-old who had never played college basketball. He also played for Cleveland, Portland and Orlando and was known for his high-flying dunks.
