Former NBA player Shawn Kemp faces legal consequences after firing shots outside a shopping center in Washington state.

According to KIRO 7 News Seattle, the ex-Seattle Sonics star has been sentenced to 12 months of community service, requiring him to complete 240 hours of service for a shooting incident at the Tacoma Mall. The incident occurred in 2023 when Kemp discharged his weapon three times at suspects who allegedly stole his phone.

Kemp's legal team maintained his actions were in self-defense during the confrontation at the mall. Despite prosecutors pushing for a nine-month jail sentence, the court opted for community service after Kemp entered a guilty plea to second-degree assault earlier this year.

Legal Consequences and Public Response

The former basketball star expressed remorse during his sentencing hearing. "I should have used better discretion... and I'm very apologetic for what I did," Kemp stated after receiving his sentence.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the shooting incident. The case garnered significant attention due to Kemp's status as a former NBA star and his current business ventures in Washington state.

The court's decision came after careful consideration of both the prosecution's recommendations and Kemp's defense. The prosecutors had initially sought jail time, but the judge ultimately decided on community service as an appropriate punishment.

Impact on Cannabis Business Operations

Kemp's conviction could potentially affect his business interests in the cannabis industry. Brian Smith, communications director at the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, explained that felony convictions within the past decade typically prevent license renewals.

The former NBA star currently holds a 10% ownership stake in Kemp's Cannabis. The business's future operations may require restructuring due to state regulations regarding cannabis license holders with felony convictions.

The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board maintains strict guidelines about license holders' criminal records. The board could potentially allow the business to continue operating without Kemp's involvement, or his business partners might need to buy out his share.

Business and Legal Path Forward

The cannabis board will need to make crucial decisions about Kemp's business involvement. The annual license renewal process could force changes in the ownership structure of Kemp's Cannabis.

Smith indicated that there are options available to maintain business operations. The board might permit the business to continue without Kemp's direct involvement, or his partners could choose to restructure the ownership.

The situation highlights the complex intersection between personal legal issues and business operations in the regulated cannabis industry. The final decision about Kemp's cannabis license renewal remains pending as authorities review the case.

Why This Story Matters

Shawn Kemp’s story is a high-profile example of how public figures are not immune to legal missteps—and how those missteps can impact more than just personal freedoms. It raises questions about the responsibilities of gun ownership, the risks of personal intervention, and the standards business owners must meet. The case also highlights how the criminal justice system balances public safety and sentencing flexibility in cases with no physical injury.

Conclusion

In 2023, Shawn Kemp tracked a stolen phone to Tacoma Mall, where he fired three gunshots during a confrontation. Though no one was injured, he was charged and later pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in early 2025. Prosecutors asked for jail time, but the court sentenced him instead to 12 months of community service. The conviction now endangers his 10% ownership in Kemp’s Cannabis due to state licensing rules.

According to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, felony convictions within the past decade could prevent license renewal. Board officials are still reviewing the case, and Kemp’s role in the business remains uncertain. Meanwhile, he has publicly accepted responsibility and begun serving his 240 hours of community service.