Shawn Kemp: Former NBA All-Star arrested in connection with alleged drive-by shooting

Tacoma police said that an altercation between occupants of two vehicles led to shots being fired

PUBLISHED MAR 9, 2023

Former SuperSonics Star Shawn Kemp has been booked for his involvement in a drive-by shooting (Craig Jones Allsport/Getty Images)

TACOMA, WASHINGTON: Former US professional basketball player Shawn Kemp is being held in the Pierce County jail in connection with a drive-by shooting near the Tacoma Mall in Washington. The 53-year-old six-time NBA All-Star was arrested by police at about 5.58 pm Wednesday, March 8, after being involved in a dispute between two cars near a shopping center.

The altercation reportedly resulted in gunfire in a parking lot in the 4500 block of South Steele Street, near the Courtesy Tire store, according to a police report. No one was injured in the incident, but Kemp, identified in the report as a 53-year-old man, was arrested at the scene. The incident occurred shortly before 2.pm, and a gun was recovered in the parking lot. The Seattle SuperSonics legend was still in the county jail as of last night.

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Shawn Kemp's illustrious basketball career

Kemp was drafted in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who became the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. He represented the team for nearly a decade and was an NBA All-Star for the last five years. in 1997, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played for three seasons and earned a sixth All-Star accolade. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic, retiring in 2003.

Shawn Kemp #40, Power Forward and Center for the Seattle SuperSonics during the NBA Midwest Division basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on 22nd January 1994 at the McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado, United States. The Nuggets won the game 98 - 91. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Allsport/Getty Images) — Shawn Kemp #40, Power Forward and Center for the Seattle SuperSonics during the NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets (Tim DeFrisco Allsport/Getty Images)

Shawn Kemp's previous run-ins with law

In 2005, Kemp was arrested in Shoreline for drug possession. A small amount of cocaine, 60 grams of marijuana and a semi-automatic pistol were found on him and another man at the time. On April 29, Kemp was formally charged with drug possession and pleaded guilty. On July 21, 2006, Kemp was arrested again for marijuana possession in Houston, Texas.

16 Jun 1996: Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp works to the basket between Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan and Luc Longley during fourth quarter action of game six of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls went on to defeat the Seattle Supersonics 87-75 to win the 1996 NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT — Shawn Kemp works to the basket between Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan and Luc Longley during NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago (Jonathan Daniel, ALLSPORT/Getty Images)

Who is Shawn Kemp's wife?

Marvena L Thomas was the first wife of Shawn Kemp. They married in 2001 in a ceremony attended only by close friends and family. The former couple had three children, including Shawn Kemp Jr and Jamon Kemp, who both played college basketball. Marvena L. Thomas is best known for her work as founder and director of the Marvin Thomas Foundation, named for her father. The organization is heavily involved in Seattle communities, especially for youth and underprivileged children.

Kemp, known as a notorious womanizer, had seven children by six different women. However, he always speaks highly of his first wife.