Shawn Kemp got off lightly after being guilty to a second-degree assault charge in May. Instead of the nine-month prison sentence that the prosecutors reportedly wanted, the former NBA player got a 30-day home monitoring sentence. Kemp will also spend 240 hours of community service and spend a year of correctional supervision in the community, according to the Seattle Times.
While Kemp will not go to prison, his cannabis, which he opened in 2020, could face effect. In a conversation with KIRO 7, Brian Smith, the licensing supervisor at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, said that Kemp would face licensing difficulties while renewing.
“Our guidelines say no. If you are convicted of a felony within 10 years, our guidelines say not to go forward with that license.”
Shawn Kemp started his first cannabis shop in Seattle's Belltown district 2020. After three years, Kemp brought the business to the SODO area, where he gave a 50% discount to customers on opening day.
As per smith, Kemp's conviction puts the 55-year-old businessman in a tricky situation. The business could go forward without the former player, or Kemp's co-owners could ask him to leave.
Shawn Kemp reportedly went after two men whom the former basketball player said had broken into his tuck to steal some valuables. Among those that were allegedly taken were jerseys from Kemp and former SuperSonics teammate Gary Payton, which were set for a charity auction.
The News Tribune said that Kemp told the court that he could have used better "discretion" and that he was very "apologetic" for what he did.
Shawn Kemp offers advice to kids following sentencing
After his sentencing, Kemp talked to the reporters. When questioned if he had any message to kids who looked up to him as a role model, Kemp responded:
“Think twice when you get mad. Think twice when you get a little upset. Have that second thought in your mind to be able to control your behavior.”
The former six-time NBA All-Star admitted that one phone call to the police could have made a huge difference.