Shawn Kemp, an American former professional basketball player, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for shooting two men inside a Washington State mall parking lot in 2023.
His life began to fast-forward at an early age as his parents divorced when he was in kindergarten.
Highlights
- Shawn Kemp’s parents divorced when he was in kindergarten, leaving his mother, Barbara Kemp, to raise him and his sister, Lisa, alone in Elkhart, Indiana.
- His father was largely absent from his life, forcing him to mature quickly.
- Barbara was the cornerstone of his life, driving him to practices, instilling discipline, and keeping him grounded during his rapid rise in the NBA.
Shawn Travis Kemp Sr. was arrested in connection with an alleged drive-by shooting in Tacoma, Washington, on March 8, 2023. He was released without charges but was later charged with first-degree assault.
Ultimately, he reached a plea deal, admitting guilt to the lesser charge of second-degree assault, which carries a standard sentence of three to nine months in prison, followed by one year of community custody.
According to court documents, the incident began when Shawn reported his car had been broken into and his phone and basketball memorabilia were missing.
He located his phone inside a Toyota 4Runner and attempted to confront the driver. Later, he traced the phone to the Tacoma Mall, where he spotted the same SUV.
The defense claimed that a passenger in the 4Runner fired at him first, prompting him to return fire. Neither of the two occupants was injured.
Shawn was arrested shortly after but released the following day. The two men in the 4Runner, aged 39 and 35, are serving prison sentences for unrelated cases.
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.
Tim Leary
Shawn Kemp’s Mom Fueled His Journey To Becoming “The Reign Man”
Shawn Kemp, the son of Barbara Kemp, was born on November 26, 1969, in Elkhart, Indiana. Challenges and resilience marked his childhood.
His mother influenced his journey from a young boy to becoming the youngest player in the NBA at just 19 years old.
Shawn’s family was far from stable, and his parents divorced when he was in kindergarten.
Barbara raised him and, along with his sister, Lisa, as a single parent struggling financially. She worked minimum wage jobs to make ends meet.
Elkhart, situated in the far northern part of Indiana, is a small industrial city with a population of approximately 45,000 residents.
The divorce had a profound impact on Kemp’s upbringing, forcing him to mature quickly and adapt to life without his father’s presence.
Barbara worked two shifts in the medical records department of a local hospital in Elkhart. She worked hard, whether with or without a job, to ensure her children had everything they needed.
Despite the challenges, Barbara worked hard to provide for her children. She instilled discipline and determination in Shawn, traits that would later define his basketball career.
Shawn’s raw athleticism was evident from a young age. He stood out as a dominant force in his Concord High School basketball, where his explosive dunks and physical dominance made him a local sensation.
However, his path wasn’t without turbulence.
Shawn hid some things in his life that many people wouldn’t be able to deal with. He faced a lot of things in high school that made him tough. He had to grow up quick.
Kerry Ellison
The Seattle SuperSonics selected Shawn in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft, making him the youngest player in the NBA at just 19.
His high-flying dunks, relentless rebounding, and fierce competitiveness earned him the nickname “The Reign Man,” making him one of the most exciting players of the 1990s.
Although his father was largely absent from his life, Shwan credited his mother for keeping him grounded during his rapid rise to fame.
Her influence helped him navigate the pressures of professional basketball, even as he faced personal and legal challenges later in his career.
Shwan recalled her countless sacrifices, praising her for having raised him with good values and teaching him how to be a man.
Around town, the Kemps were known as a close and loving family. Barbara was truly a loving mother. She was the one taking Shawn to basketball practices and game at Concord High School in Dunlap, Elkhart Country. She was the one cooking at home, and caring for her kids. Despite being super busy at her hospital job.
Duane Wickey
Barbara would come home tired from her work, but still found time to dedicate to the family she cherished so much.
On weekends, they would go to practices and games. Likewise, they visit the church on Sundays.
Additional Information
- Shawn Kemp transferred to Trinity Valley Community College from the University of Kentucky after he was accused of pawning two gold chains that had been reported stolen from his teammate Sean Sutton.
- He won a gold medal for the US national team in the 1994 FIBA World Championship in Toronto.
- The 2.08m tall former athlete has fathered at least seven children with six different women.
