Junior Bridgeman ,Former NBA player and business mogul Junior Bridgeman died at 71 on Tuesday following a medical emergency at a Louisville fundraising event. The self-made billionaire and former Milwaukee Bucks star leaves behind a legacy spanning sports and business.
Breaking Details of Junior Bridgeman’s Death
- Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky
- Circumstances:
- Experienced chest pain during a fundraising luncheon
- Reported potential heart attack symptoms
- Emergency medical services were called to the scene
- Pronounced dead at age 71
Junior Bridgeman’s Distinguished NBA Career
Professional Achievements:
- 12-season NBA veteran (1975-1987)
- 10 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks
- 2 seasons with LA Clippers
- Career statistics: 13.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.4 APG
- Jersey #2 retired by Milwaukee Bucks
- NBPA President (1985-1988)
Junior Bridgeman’s Remarkable Business Legacy
Business Empire:
- Built 450+ restaurant franchise network
- Coca-Cola bottling operations across multiple states
- Owner of Ebony and Jet magazines
- Recent 10% stake in Milwaukee Bucks (September 2023)
- Forbes-estimated net worth: \$1.4 billion (2024)
Junior Bridgeman’s Notable Tributes
Leadership Reactions:
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: Ultimate entrepreneur and dedicated NBA family member.
- Milwaukee Bucks Organization: Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing.
- Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg: Lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend.
- Senator Mitch McConnell: Highly successful businessman and generous philanthropist.
Impact and Legacy
Lasting Contributions:
- Pioneered athlete-to-business success model
- Advocate for financial literacy among NBA players
- Mentor to generations of athletes
- Significant philanthropic presence in Louisville
- Champion of generational wealth building