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Kermit Alan Washington, born on September 17, 1951, in Washington, D.C., is a former professional basketball player renowned for his tenure in the NBA during the 1970s and 1980s. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Washington played as a power forward for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors. His career, however, is often overshadowed by a notorious on-court incident in 1977 involving Rudy Tomjanovich.

Charitable Work and Legal Issues

Washington founded a charity aimed at aiding children in Africa. However, in 2016, he was indicted for embezzling approximately $500,000 from the charity, using the funds for personal expenses. He pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated identity theft and making false statements on tax returns, resulting in a six-year federal prison sentence in 2018.

Personal Life and Relationships

In 1970, Washington began dating Patricia, a fellow student at American University. They married in 1973 and have at least one child, a daughter named Dana Washington. Details about his family life remain relatively private, with limited public information available.

NBA Career and Key Milestones

In the 1973 NBA Draft, Washington was selected fifth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent nearly four seasons with the Lakers, with his best performance in 1977, averaging a double-double with 11.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. However, his tenure with the Lakers is often remembered for a 1977 altercation during a game against the Houston Rockets, where he punched Rudy Tomjanovich, causing severe injuries to Tomjanovich and leading to a 60-day suspension and a $10,000 fine for Washington.

Future Plans and Impact on Culture

Following his release from prison, Washington’s future endeavors remain uncertain. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls athletes may face during and after their professional careers, underscoring the importance of personal conduct and integrity.

Education and College Career

Determined to pursue higher education, Washington enrolled at American University in 1970. There, he transformed into a formidable basketball player, becoming one of only seven players in NCAA history to average 20 points and 20 rebounds per game over their college careers. He graduated in 1973 with a degree in sociology, leaving a lasting legacy in the university’s basketball program.

Despite these challenges, Washington found solace in academics and sports. He attended Coolidge Senior High School, where he played basketball but was not a standout athlete, averaging only four points per game during his senior year. His modest high school performance did not attract significant attention from college scouts.

Early Life and Family Background

Kermit Washington was born to Alexander and Barbara Washington in Washington, D.C. His early years were marked by familial instability; his parents separated when he was three, leading to a tumultuous childhood. Washington and his older brother, Eric, were shuffled among various relatives, including a strict and, at times, abusive great-grandmother. This lack of a stable home environment profoundly affected his upbringing.

  • Full Name: Kermit Alan Washington
  • Date of Birth: September 17, 1951
  • Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Education: American University (B.A. in Sociology, 1973)
  • NBA Draft: 1973, Round 1, Pick 5 by Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing Career: 1973–1982, 1987–1988
  • Position: Power Forward
  • Height: 6 ft 8 in (203 cm)
  • Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
  • Spouse: Patricia Washington
  • Children: Dana Washington (daughter)
  • Net Worth: Approximately $25,000

Following the incident, Washington was traded to the Boston Celtics in 1977. He later played for the San Diego Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers, where he earned an NBA All-Star selection in the 1979–1980 season. He concluded his NBA career with a brief stint at the Golden State Warriors during the 1987–1988 season.

Legacy and Controversies

Washington’s career is often overshadowed by the 1977 incident with Rudy Tomjanovich, a defining moment in NBA history that led to stricter regulations against on-court violence. His later involvement in charity fraud further complicated his legacy, highlighting the complexities of his personal and professional life.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

As of recent estimates, Kermit Washington’s net worth is approximately $25,000. His financial status was significantly impacted by legal issues, including a 2016 indictment for embezzling funds meant for African children, leading to a six-year federal prison sentence in 2018 and an order to pay nearly $970,000 in restitution.

Kermit Washington’s life encapsulates the highs and lows of a professional athlete’s journey, marked by significant achievements and profound controversies. His legacy continues to prompt discussions on sportsmanship, personal responsibility, and the complexities of life beyond the basketball court.

Disclaimer: Kermit Washington: NBA Career, wealth data updated April 2026.