Shawn Kemp was once a star on NBA courts, thrilling fans with powerful dunks and quick moves. But life after basketball has been far from easy. Among his struggles, financial trouble has been a major issue. But unfortunately for him, his struggles didn’t end there. Things took a darker turn in 2023 when Kemp got involved in a serious legal case. On March 8, 2023, he tracked his stolen cellphone to a Toyota 4Runner outside Tacoma Mall. His truck had been broken into days before, leading to a confrontation with two men inside the vehicle.
Now, Kemp’s sentencing is scheduled for August. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Howe suggested nine months in jail, followed by a year of supervision from the Department of Corrections. Kemp must also pay restitution. At the time the incident took place, Kemp had claimed the men shot at him first, so he fired back in self-defense. However, surveillance footage showed he fired immediately after exiting his vehicle. Three bullets hit the 4Runner, but thankfully, no one was hurt. The suspects ran off, and Kemp was arrested without resisting.
Recent reports reveal that Kemp has pleaded guilty. His lawyer, Tim Leary, told the Times, “Shawn is committed to moving forward in a positive direction. He was presented with an offer from the state that allows him to take responsibility, but I think also recognizes the self-defense nature of how this transpired.” Prosecutors originally charged him with first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, which carry heavy prison terms.
The recent post by @courtsidebuzzig claims: “BREAKING: NBA legend Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault on Tuesday for his role in a parking lot shooting at a Tacoma, Washington, shopping mall in March 2023.” The plea deal reduced charges to second-degree assault, with possible jail time of three to nine months, thanks to his clean record so far.
Kemp’s defense argued he acted to protect his stolen property. The two men involved later went to jail for other crimes, though their pasts didn’t affect Kemp’s case. Since retiring, Kemp has stayed busy running two recreational medical shops in Seattle. The incident brought him unexpected attention years after his NBA career ended. This plea deal closes a tough chapter for the six-time All-Star known for his highlight dunks. Even as the legal process wraps up, Kemp hopes to focus on better things ahead.
How Shawn Kemp lost over 90% of his NBA fortune
For someone who made nearly $100 million during his NBA career, it’s hard to imagine Shawn Kemp facing money problems. But after retiring, his earnings slowly slipped away. “I will tell you this: I’m a six-time All-Star,” Kemp once said on All The Smoke, proud of his achievements. Still, even those All-Star years couldn’t shield him from financial storms. After his trade to Portland in 2000, Kemp’s game and lifestyle took a hard hit, and his off-court troubles soon followed.
Kemp is the father of seven children by six different women. That meant supporting multiple households, cars, homes, and child support added up fast. His battles with substance abuse and alcohol began affecting both his finances and his career. During his time with the Trail Blazers, he went to rehab, showing how serious things had gotten. Legal troubles followed, including arrests for possession of a recreational drug, long before it became a booming business.
Despite earning millions in contracts and endorsements, Kemp’s net worth dropped to around $5 million. Failed business ventures didn’t help either. His sports bar, Oskar’s Kitchen, closed in 2015. He’s now part of the cannabis industry with two dispensaries in Seattle. However, according to The Washington Post, Kemp owns just five percent of the company; Main Street Marijuana holds the other ninety-five. That means limited returns from a business he publicly represents.
And now, with a recent plea deal over a 2023 shooting incident, Kemp faces another crossroads. Only time will tell what sentence he will receive for the incident.
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