Who is Marvena L. Thomas? Taking a closer look at the personal and professional life of Shawn Kemp’s first wife

Marvena L. Thomas was the first wife of former NBA player Shawn Kemp, who played for four teams in his 14-year pro basketball career. They were married in 2001 in a ceremony that was 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. Kemp Jr. had a four-year stint at the University of Washington, while his brother represented Southeastern Louisiana University for a year.

The former six-time NBA All-Star was a notorious womanizer and had seven children from six different women. Marvena L. Thomas, however, reportedly forgave him for his infidelities. Kemp had four other marriages after Marvena, but still speaks highly of his first wife.

Thomas was also involved in basketball in her own right. She used to be a co-director of the Northwest College Summer League. Part of her passion for basketball pushed her to organize numerous pro-am basketball tournaments, particularly in Seattle.

Marvena L. Thomas is best known for her work as the Founder & Director of the Marvin Thomas Foundation. It is a platform that is named after her father. The organization is heavily involved in Seattle-based communities, particularly the youth and underprivileged children.

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Thomas’ work in the community is the exact opposite of Shawn Kemp’s life as a father. He has reportedly failed to provide decent support to his seven children.

Marvena L. Thomas’ former husband, Shawn Kemp, is in trouble again

Shawn Kemp put Marven L. Thomas through a lot during their time together. The Seattle Supersonics legend has had brushes with the law in numerous instances.

Kemp allegedly stole a gold chain while he was still a superstar in the NBA. He was also arrested by the police for possessing cocaine and a semi-automatic pistol just three years after he retired from pro basketball.

The most recent controversy facing Marvena L. Thomas' former husband, Shawn Kemp, is a drive-by shooting.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski:

“According to the Pierce (Wash.) Corrections Inmate listings, six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp -- a legendary member of the Seattle Sonics -- has been booked in an alleged drive-by shooting.”

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