HOUSTON Former Seattle SuperSonic and Orlando Magic player Shawn Kemp says he's ready to get back in the game after three years of retirement from the NBA.
The 36-year-old former All-Star retired voluntarily from the Magic in 2003, citing weight issues. During his last NBA season he weighed as much as 320 pounds. But he's slimmed down to 270 pounds through an intensive exercise regime.
Kemp told Houston T-V- station K-R-I-V- that he sat out the whole season to get in --quote-- "tip top shape to make a comeback."
He says it's love of the game that's bringing him back -- and he wants to some day make it into the Hall of Fame.
Kemp faced troubles unrelated to weight during his NBA career -- which began when he was drafted by Seattle in 1989. He took a leave of absence during the 2000-01 season to enter a substance abuse program. He also violated the league's anti-drug policy three times.
In 2005, he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of more than 40 grams of marijuana.
Kemp says those problems are behind him.
The 36-year-old former All-Star retired voluntarily from the Magic in 2003, citing weight issues. During his last NBA season he weighed as much as 320 pounds. But he's slimmed down to 270 pounds through an intensive exercise regime.
Kemp told Houston T-V- station K-R-I-V- that he sat out the whole season to get in --quote-- "tip top shape to make a comeback."
He says it's love of the game that's bringing him back -- and he wants to some day make it into the Hall of Fame.
Kemp faced troubles unrelated to weight during his NBA career -- which began when he was drafted by Seattle in 1989. He took a leave of absence during the 2000-01 season to enter a substance abuse program. He also violated the league's anti-drug policy three times.
In 2005, he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of more than 40 grams of marijuana.
Kemp says those problems are behind him.
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