TACOMA, Washington — Former NBA player Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty to a second-degree assault charge for shooting at two men inside a vehicle in a mall parking lot in Tacoma, Washington.
The incident occurred in March 2023 at a local mall parking lot, where Kemp fired shots at a Toyota 4Runner occupied by the two men. The shooting also caused damage to another vehicle nearby. No injuries were reported.
Kemp, 55, entered his guilty plea in Pierce County Superior Court as part of a plea agreement with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The original charge of first-degree assault was reduced to second-degree assault under the agreement.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the plea deal, which resolves the case without proceeding to trial. Kemp’s sentencing date is expected to be scheduled later.
Kemp’s legal team negotiated the reduction of charges. Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Kemp played in the NBA from 1989 to 2003, earning six All-Star selections. He played for teams including the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Legal representatives for Kemp did not immediately comment following the court proceedings. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office continues to handle the case as it advances toward sentencing.
