Lawyers: Former NBA star Kemp fired in self-defense
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp acted in self-defense when he exchanged gunfire in a Washington parking lot while trying to retrieve a stolen cell phone and other items, his attorneys said Thursday.
Kemp, 53, was arrested by Tacoma police Wednesday for investigation of a drive-by shooting but was released from jail Thursday afternoon without charges having been filed. The Pierce County Prosecutor's Office said it would not file charges pending further investigation.
“We're grateful they didn't rush to judgment,” said Seattle criminal defense lawyer Tim Leary, who is representing Kemp.
In a written statement, another Kemp attorney, W. Scott Boatman, said Kemp's vehicle was broken into Tuesday night and several items were taken — including an iPhone. Kemp tracked the phone's location to an occupied car at the Tacoma Mall, and when Kemp confronted the individuals inside, they shot at him, and he returned fire, Boatright said.
“There was not a drive by shooting as previously reported and Mr. Kemp's actions were reasonable and legally justified,” Boatman said. “Mr. Kemp met with law enforcement at the scene in an attempt to assist in the matter.”
Tacoma police said they recovered a gun at the scene.
RAPTORS' VANVLEET CRITICIZES OFFICIATING >> Fred VanVleet tried to take a double breath before addressing reporters. But the Toronto Raptors guard was unable to suppress his frustration with referee Ben Taylor and his crew.
VanVleet was extremely critical of Taylor after the Raptors' 108-100 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night — not only for being called for a technical foul, but for the disparity in fouls and free throws.
“I don't mind it. I'll take the fine. I don't really care. I thought Ben Taylor was terrible tonight,” VanVleet said while using a profanity. “I think that most nights, you know out of the three, there's one or two that just (mess) the game up. It's been like that a couple of games in a row. Denver was tough, obviously.
VanVleet, who is in his sixth year in the league, was called for his eighth technical of the season with 7:02 remaining in the third quarter.
Pro football
TEXANS LOSE 5TH-ROUND PICK, FINED FOR EXTRA WATSON BENEFIT >>
The Houston Texans lost their pick in the fifth round of this year's draft and must pay a $175,000 fine for a salary cap reporting violation involving Deshaun Watson, the NFL announced.
A review by the league determined the Texans provided their then-quarterback Watson with undisclosed compensation in the form of a membership at an alternate athletic facility in 2020. Clubs must report any player compensation or benefit as part of the salary cap requirements in the collective bargaining agreement.
The discipline against the Texans leaves the team with 10 picks in the upcoming draft, including the second overall pick and the 12th in the first round they received as part of the trade that sent Watson to Cleveland.
Golf
WOODS FACING LEGAL CLASH WITH EX-GIRLFRIEND >>
Tiger Woods' former girlfriend wants to nullify a
nondisclosure agreement she signed with golf's biggest star in a legal dispute that involves allegations of an abrupt breakup after six years together.
Attorneys for Woods' ex-girlfriend, Erica Herman, are asking for clarity on what she can and cannot say, according to documents filed in Martin County Circuit Court in south Florida.
Woods lives in Hobe Sound in Martin County, north of West Palm Beach, and the complaint said Woods and Herman had been living together.
According to the complaint, a trust controlled by Woods is trying to silence Herman with an NDA she signed while involved in a “personal and professional relationship” with Woods.
The complaint argues it should be nullified under the “Speak Out Act,” which became federal law in December and prohibits an NDA from being enforced when sexual assault or sexual harassment is involved.
College football
IOWA ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT TO COVER FULL RACE BIAS SETTLEMENT >>
A race discrimination lawsuit filed against the University of Iowa by former football players will be settled using funds entirely from the school instead of having taxpayer money cover half of the $4.2 million deal, the university's president said.
President Barbara Wilson put an end to the original plan that called for $2 million being pulled from the state's general fund after listening to the public's concerns and consulting with the Board of Regents, she said in a statement.
The lawsuit was filed in November 2020 by 12 Black former players, including star running back Akrum Wadley and career receptions leader Kevonte Martin-Manley. They alleged they were demeaned with racial slurs, forced to abandon Black hairstyles, fashion and culture to fit the “Iowa Way” promoted by coach Kirk Ferentz, and retaliated against for speaking out.
Baseball
RODÓN TO START SEASON ON IL >>
Carlos Rodón's debut for the New York Yankees is going to have to wait. The veteran left-handed pitcher will begin the season on the injured list due to a left forearm strain.
Rodón will be shut down for 7-10 days, squashing any chance he'll will be ready by opening day, New York general manager Brian Cashman told reporters. JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, NETHERLANDS WIN IN WBC >> Shohei Ohtani allowed one hit in the four innings he pitched, struck out five and was the winning pitcher in Japan's 8-1 victory over China in Group B at the World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani also doubled off the left field wall in the fourth to score two at the Tokyo Dome and increase Japan's lead to 3-0.
In other games, Robbie Perkins hit one of Australia's three homers to beat South Korea 8-7 in Group B at the Tokyo Dome.
College basketball EWING FIRED BY GEORGETOWN >>
Patrick Ewing was fired as men's basketball coach at Georgetown after the latest in a series of rough seasons at the school he led to a national championship as a player in the 1980s.
Ewing was never a head coach at any level of the sport until getting the job with the Hoyas in 2017, and he leaves after a half-dozen years with a record of 75109.