Junior Bridgeman, a 12-year-old NBA veteran and billionaire business, has died at the age of 71.
According to WLKY, Bridgeman had a medical emergency on the 45th annual leadership lunch at scouting in Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky, Tuesday.
WLKY -Reporter Kent Taylor interviewed Bridgeman as part of the program in favor of Lincoln Heritage Council scouting America.
Bridgeman “expressed that he thought he had a heart attack” in front of hundreds of lunch participants, Taylor said.
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Junior Bridgeman claps during a message that he is building a Manna Beverages factory in Montgomery, ala., October 18, 2022. (IMagn)
Emergency help was allegedly called immediately and “People immediately jumped into action to help.” Bridgeman was eventually transported from lunch by ambulance and died later.
Louisville is where Bridgeman became a basketball legend before his business sharpness made him a leader and philanthropist in the city.
Bridgeman played his college basketball at the University of Louisville from 1972-75, where he made two last four races during the legendary cardinal coach Denny Crum.
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Los Angeles Lakers made him the eighth overall choice of the 1975 NBA draft, but he was moved to Milwaukee Bucks, the team he spent everyone except two seasons during his 12-year-old NBA career.
The shooting guard/small forward an average of 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 47.8% off the field in 711 career games for Milwaukee.
Bridgeman owned a 10% minority share in Bucks that released a long statement after learning about his death.
“Milwaukee Bucks is shocked and sad by the tragic departure from Bucks Legend and owner Junior Bridgeman,” the team released. “Junior’s retired # 2 jersey hangs in the Fiserv Forum and serves as a constant memory of his excellent game on the field and his influence on Bucks’ success.
“His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the country’s best business leaders, and in September last year Junior’s professional life came into full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.”
Junior Bridgeman runs down the ball during a game in January 1987. (IMagn)
The University of Louisville Athletics also released a statement.
“Today we lost a legend and the beloved member of the Louisville Basketball family,” it said. “Junior Bridgeman leaves an unmatched legacy, and we are eternally grateful for the influence he has made on our program, our university and our city. We send our deepest compassion to the Bridgeman family and everyone who loved him.”
In addition to his 10 seasons with Bucks, Bridgeman played Los Angeles Clippers from 1984-86.
Bridgeman developed an ability for business while playing in the NBA. He started investing in Wendy’s fast food restaurants, and his small investments quickly became a 450-restaurant empire known as Bridgeman Foods Inc.
Junior Bridgeman at Hermitage Grand Gala Derby Eve Party at Hermitage Farm in Gosen, Ky. (IMagn)
Bridgeman also treated Coca-Cola-Aplapping Operations and owned Ebony and jet magazines.
Forbes had estimated Bridgeman’s net worth to be $ 3.7 billion.
Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and three children – Eden, Justin and Ryan.
