Junior Bridgeman, a 12-year NBA veteran and billionaire businessman, passed away at the age of 71.
Bridgeman was in a medical emergency at the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon at Scouting in Garthouse, Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday, according to WLKY.
WLKY reporter Kent Taylor was interviewing Bridgeman as part of a program that would benefit the Lincoln Heritage Council.
Bridgeman expressed in front of hundreds of luncheon attendees, “I think he's having a heart attack,” Taylor said.
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Junior Bridgeman applauds during the announcement on October 18, 2022 that he is building a Mana Beverage Factory in Montgomery, Alabama. (image)
Emergency services reportedly were called out quickly and “people jumped into action immediately.” Bridgeman was eventually transported from the luncheon by ambulance and later died.
Louisville is where Bridgeman became a basketball legend, before his insights made him a city leader and philanthropist.
Bridgeman played college basketball at the University of Louisville from 1972-75, playing two final four runs under legendary Cardinals coach Denny Crum.
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The Los Angeles Lakers made him the eighth overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft, but he moved to the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that spent all but two seasons during his 12-year NBA career.
The shooting guard/small forward averaged 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, shooting 47.8% off the field in Milwaukee's 711 career game.
Bridgeman owns a 10% minority stake in the Bucks, and he issued a lengthy statement after learning about his death.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passage of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman,” the team posted. “The junior's retired second jersey appears on the Fiserv Forum and serves as a constant memory of his outstanding play on the court and the impact on the Bucks' success.
“His hard work and perseverance led him to one of the nation's top business leaders, and last September, junior's professional life was completely circled when he returned to the Bucks family as owner. His memory is always an inspiration for the Bucks organization.”
Junior Bridgeman runs down the ball during the January 1987 game. (image)
University of Louisville athletics A statement has been issued.
“Today we lost the legend and beloved member of the Louisville basketball family,” it said. “Junior Bridgeman has left us with an unparalleled legacy and we are forever grateful for the impact he has had on our program, our university and our city.
In addition to his 10 seasons with the Bucks, Bridgeman played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 1984-86.
Bridgeman developed tips for business while playing in the NBA. He began investing in Wendy's fast food restaurant, and his small investment soon came Bridgeman Foods Inc.
Junior Bridgeman from the Hermitage Grand Gala Derby Eve Party held at Hermitage Farm in Gossen, Kentucky. (image)
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Bridgeman also handled Coca-Cola bottling business and owned Ebony and Jet magazines.
Forbes estimated Bridgeman's net worth of $3.7 billion.
Bridgeman was survived by his wife Doris and three children, Eden, Justin and Ryan.
