Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp has formally pleaded guilty to a lesser charge related to an April 2023 shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a Tacoma, Washington, shopping mall.

Kemp, as per the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, pleaded guilty on May 27 to one charge of second-degree assault.

Shawn Kemp's Court Case: From First-Degree Assault to a Plea Agreement

Former Supersonics Star Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty Former Supersonics Star Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty
NBA/YouTube

Kemp, the six-time NBA All-Star who became famous for his thunderous dunks and remarkable career with the Seattle SuperSonics, was originally accused of first-degree assault. The accusation, according to TMZ Sports, is based on a March 2023 altercation when authorities claimed that Kemp fired a weapon during an argument at a Tacoma mall parking lot.

During the incident, Kemp insisted that he acted in self-defense, calling his actions "reasonable and legally justified." He initially pleaded not guilty to the more grievous charge but later opted for the plea deal on a lesser offense to avoid the possibility of an even worse sentence.

What the Plea Deal Means for Shawn Kemp

The newly embraced charge of second-degree assault has a less severe penalty than the initial first-degree charge. Still, the pact entails what's referred to as an "open sentencing recommendation." That is, the prosecution and defense can both recommend various penalties to the judge during the forthcoming sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 22.

As reported by the Seattle Times via CBS Sports, the 55-year-old will pay a $20,000 fine on top of 10 years in prison.

Who is Shawn Kemp Before He Pleaded Guilty

Shawn Kemp's name is forever linked to the golden age of 1990s basketball. Signed in 1989, Kemp became an overnight sensation with his dazzling game and rim-ending dunks. He played 14 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Seattle SuperSonics, with whom he forged a powerful combo with point guard Gary Payton.

Kemp subsequently played with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic before calling it quits in 2003.

Off the court, the Reign Man has been an entrepreneur, opening cannabis dispensaries in Washington state, where marijuana has been legalized for recreational use.

Kemp's is among numerous cases of retired professional athletes who have been brought to court following their playing careers. Even though his plea agreement spares him the long fight in court, it also contributes to larger issues of conflict resolution, public conduct, and legal examination that continue to pursue highly visible individuals long after their athletic careers are over.