Former NBA player Shawn Kemp claimed that two men provoked him by stealing his truck, cellphone, and memorabilia.
Shawn Kemp shooting, explained: How former Supersonics star avoided jail time for 2023 arrest originally appeared on The Sporting News
Shawn Kemp, one of the most recognizable players in Seattle Supersonics history, was sentenced to 30 days of electronic home monitoring on Friday for shooting at two men in a Washington state parking lot in 2023.
He'll begin home monitoring in two weeks, according to The Seattle Times. He also must spend one year under the state Department of Corrections supervision and complete 240 hours of community service.
Here's what you need to know about Kemp's sentencing, as well as the trial that preceded it.
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Shawn Kemp shooting, explained
Kemp's sentencing stems from a March 2023 incident that saw the six-time NBA All-Star fire shots at men driving around in a Washington state mall parking lot.
Kemp said he acted in self-defense, arguing that he returned fire after one of the men shot at him. The defense claimed that the men provoked Kemp by stealing his truck, cellphone, and memorabilia. Tacoma police found the vehicle the men were driving abandoned five days after the shooting. According to court records obtained by the Seattle Times, an empty holster was found inside the car, but no gun.
Kemp used a phone-tracking app to locate his stolen belongings, according to the trial brief. He briefly tried to speak with the driver of the vehicle. The men returned some of his belongings but kept his phone, per the trial brief.
The judge ruled in Kemp's favor, arguing that the circumstances of Kemp's assault warranted an "exceptional sentence." Under usual state sentencing guidelines for second-degree assault, Kemp would receive a sentence ranging from three and nine months in jail. Prosecutors pushed for Kemp to be sentenced to nine months in jail, a year of supervision, and pay restitution.
Kemp pleaded guilty in May to the second-degree assault charge. He avoided jail time with his sentence.
"I’m very apologetic for what I did,” Kemp told the judge when sentencing concluded.
Several people sent letters of support for Kemp. Thirty people attended the hearing on Kemp's behalf, including former Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch.
Kemp vowed to be an advocate against gun violence during an interview given after the hearing.
"Think twice," Kemp said. "Think twice when you get mad. Think twice when you get a little upset."
Category: Basketball
