Junior Bridgeman, one 12-year-old NBA veteran And billionaire businessman, died at the age of 71.
According to WLKY, Bridgeman had a medical emergency on Tuesday during the 45th annual lunch on scouting in the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky.
WLKY reporter has Taylor interviewed Bridgeman as part of the program for the Lincoln Heritage Council, Scouting America.
Bridgeman “said he thought he had a heart attack” for hundreds of lunch visitors, Taylor said.
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Junior Bridgeman is clapping during an announcement that he is building a Manna drink factory in Montgomery, Ala., October 18, 2022. (Imagn)
Allegedly, emergency services were immediately called and “people immediately took action to help.” Bridgeman was eventually transported by ambulance of lunch and died later.
Louisville is where Bridgeman became a basketball legend before his business acumen made him a leader and philanthropist in the city.
Bridgeman played his college basketball on the University of Louisville From 1972-75, where he made two last four points under the legendary Cardinals coach Denny Crum.
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The Los Angeles Lakers made him the eighth general choice of the NBA design of 1975, but he was moved to the Milwaukee BucksThe team with whom he spent all seasons during his 12-year-old NBA career.
The shooting guard/small attacker was an average of 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while he shoots 47.8% in 711 career competitions for Milwaukee.
Bridgeman owned a minority stake of 10% in the bucks, which released a long explanation after he learned about his death.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Bucks Legend and owner Junior Bridgeman,” the team posted. “The retired no. 2 sweater of Junior hangs on Fiserv Forum and serves as a constant memory of his excellent game on the field and his impact on the success of the bucks.
“His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the best business leaders of the nation and last September the professional life of Junior Circle came when he returned to the Bucks family as the owner. His memory will always be an inspiration for the Bucks organization.”
Junior Bridgeman runs the ball during a competition in January 1987. (Imagn)
The University of Louisville Athletics also A statement released.
“Today we lost a legend and loved member of the Basketball family of Louisville,” said it. “Junior Bridgeman leaves behind an unparalleled legacy and we are forever grateful for the impact he made on our program, our university and our city. We send our deepest participation to the Bridgem family and all those who loved him.”
In addition to his 10 seasons with the Bucks, Bridgeman played from 1984-86 for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Bridgeman developed a talent for business while playing in the NBA. He started investing in Wendy’s fast food restaurants, and his small investments soon turned into a 450-restaurant empire that is known as Bridgeman Foods Inc.
Junior Bridgeman at the Hermitage Grand Gala Derby Eve Party at Hermitage Farm in Goshen, Ky. (Imagn)
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Bridgeman also dealt with Coca-Cola-Bottel activities and ownership of Ebony and JET magazines.
Forbes had estimated Bridgeman’s assets at $ 3.7 billion.
Bridgeman is survived by his wife, Doris, and three children – Eden, Justin and Ryan.
