Shawn Kemp, once a powerhouse forward for the Seattle SuperSonics, has been ordered to serve 30 days of electronic home monitoring after a shooting incident at Tacoma Mall in March 2023.
According to NBC Sports, the 55-year-old avoided a jail sentence after Judge Michael Schwartz of Pierce County Superior Court determined the confrontation stemmed from unusual circumstances. In addition to home monitoring, Kemp must complete 240 hours of community service and remain under state supervision for one year.
The shooting unfolded after Kemp tracked his stolen cellphone to Tacoma using a location app. His truck, phone, and memorabilia had reportedly been taken earlier in Seattle. When he arrived at the mall parking lot, Kemp spotted the Toyota 4Runner he believed was tied to the theft. According to court documents, a passenger inside the SUV opened fire first. Kemp responded by shooting back in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Nobody was injured, and the SUV was later recovered abandoned, with an empty holster discovered inside.
Kemp entered a guilty plea to an assault charge in May as part of a negotiated deal. Prosecutors had asked for nine months of jail time and restitution.
Still, the judge cited the theft of Kemp’s property and the gunfire directed at him as factors that reduced his culpability. Kemp appeared emotional in court, bowing his head and crossing himself several times as the decision was announced.
Outside the courtroom, Kemp acknowledged the strain of the case and said he intends to turn the experience into a platform for advocacy.
“The last three years have been tough,” he told reporters, before urging others to avoid impulsive decisions in moments of anger. “Think twice when you get mad. Think twice when you get a little upset.”
Roughly 30 supporters attended the sentencing, including Kemp’s pastor and former NFL star Marshawn Lynch. Several letters of support were also submitted to the court.