Fact check: Was Shawn Kemp part of a group that opened a cannabis dispensary in Seattle?

Shawn Kemp enjoyed a decent stint in the NBA as a six-time All-Star during his 14-year career. The former Seattle Supersonics forward's career, bound for superstardom, took a hit due to his off-court troubles. Kemp's personal life issues led to him paying for child support for seven children from six different women.

He also struggled with his physical conditioning entering training camps. In 2005 and 2006, Kemp was arrested for marijuana possession twice. However, that didn't stop him from opening his cannabis dispensary, named "Shawn Kemp's Cannabis," in 2020. Here's what Kemp said about opening his first cannabis dispensary (via King5.com):

“This is a lot of responsibility, I didn’t just jump into this. I needed the right plan and the right partners for this. I have that and this is just the first of five locations that will be opening up pretty soon.”

Kemp has two stores, both in Seattle. One shop is in the city's Belltown neighborhood, while the other is in the SODO neighborhood. The second store started in 2023. Kemp co-owns the dispensary with business partner and General Manager Tran Du.

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Shawn Kemp arrested for a drive-by shooting

Former NBA player Shawn Kemp's personal life controversies have followed him years after his playing career ended. Kemp was recently arrested for a drive-by shooting in Washington, as per TMZ Sports. He reportedly got booked for a felony drive-by shooting, an offense that carries up to 10 years of prison sentence.

Kemp had been arrested twice before for drug possession in 2005 and the same offense, along with a misdemeanor in 2006. Kemp has been one of the biggest "what if" stars in the NBA. He was on his way to potentially becoming a Hall of Fame candidate if not for his off-court troubles.

From lack of fitness, paying child support for seven children with six different women to drug and alcohol abuse, Kemp went through a lot during his NBA career. He was an 18-point, 10-rebound per game player at his peak, but those numbers dropped to six points and three rebounds per game in a season when he joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 2000.

He played two seasons for the franchise before joining the Orlando Magic in 2002. Kemp made several attempts at an NBA return but failed in his quest, eventually ending his professional career playing in Italy.

Click here to read King5.com's report on Shawn Kemp's cannabis shop.