TACOMA, Wash. — Former Seattle SuperSonics star Shawn Kemp was sentenced this week in Pierce County Superior Court, bringing an end to a high-profile case that drew national attention and rekindled memories of one of the region’s most celebrated athletes.
Kemp, 55, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault stemming from a March 2023 parking lot shooting outside the Tacoma Mall. Prosecutors said the incident began after Kemp tracked his stolen cell phone to the area and confronted a group of individuals he believed had broken into his car. A confrontation followed, during which shots were fired. No one was injured, but the incident, caught in part on video, quickly went viral.
At Friday’s hearing, Judge Elizabeth Martin sentenced Kemp to 30 days of electronic home monitoring, along with one year of Department of Corrections supervision and 240 hours of community service. The outcome means Kemp will avoid jail time but will live under strict conditions for the next month while serving his sentence at home.
Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Paul argued that while Kemp did not intend to kill anyone, his decision to confront suspects with a firearm escalated the situation into dangerous territory. “This was reckless behavior that put lives at risk in a crowded public place,” Paul said.
Kemp’s defense team countered that he acted in fear after a series of car break-ins left him frustrated and targeted. His attorney, Tim Leary, told the court that Kemp had no prior criminal record and that his actions, though misguided, were not those of someone seeking violence. “He is a man who lost his judgment in a moment of anger,” Leary said.
The judge noted Kemp’s contributions to the community, both during and after his NBA career, but emphasized that fame does not excuse poor judgment. “You remain a role model to many,” Judge Martin said. “With that comes a responsibility to handle conflict lawfully and peacefully.”
Kemp, dressed in a dark suit, spoke briefly before sentencing, apologizing for the incident. “I regret my actions and the example it set,” he said, his voice steady. “I’m grateful no one was hurt, and I will work to rebuild trust.”
The sentencing closes a turbulent chapter for a player once hailed as the face of Seattle basketball during the SuperSonics’ glory years of the 1990s. Known as “Reign Man” for his thunderous dunks and highlight-reel plays, Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star and remains beloved in Seattle, where fans continue to hope for the NBA’s return.
Now, instead of highlight reels, Kemp’s name is tied to a cautionary tale of frustration, firearms, and a moment of poor judgment. While his basketball legacy endures, this case serves as a reminder that even hometown heroes are not above the law.
Shawn Kemp appears in court. Photo credit: John Smith/Tri-City Herald, 2025.
