Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA participant who performed from 1975 to 1987, has died on the age of 71 after struggling a coronary heart assault throughout an occasion in Louisville, Kentucky, based on a number of experiences.
His demise on Tuesday, March 11, was confirmed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who expressed his grief in a press release to ESPN, saying he was “devastated to be taught of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman.”
“Junior was the last word entrepreneur who constructed on his impactful 12-year NBA taking part in profession by turning into a extremely revered and profitable enterprise chief. He served as a mentor to generations of NBA gamers and athletes throughout sports activities who have been wanting to be taught from him about what it takes to thrive within the enterprise world. Junior was a devoted member of the NBA household for 50 years — most lately as a minority proprietor of the Milwaukee Bucks, an investor in NBA Africa and as a participant who set the usual for representing the league and our recreation with class and dignity.”
Study extra about Bridgeman’s spectacular profession, his vital internet value, and his private life beneath.
Who Was Junior Bridgeman?
Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman performed within the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers. A standout capturing guard and small ahead, he had a notable profession on the court docket. Earlier than being drafted to the NBA, Bridgeman performed for the College of Louisville within the Nineteen Seventies underneath the legendary coach Denny Crum. Bridgeman retired from basketball in 1987, and in 1988, the Bucks retired his No. 2 jersey in honor of his 10 seasons with the workforce.
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman efficiently transitioned into enterprise. In 2024, he bought a ten% stake in his former workforce, turning into a minority proprietor of the Milwaukee Bucks.
What Is Junior Bridgeman’s Internet Value?
Bridgeman had an estimated internet value of $1.4 billion, based on a earlier report by Forbes. He constructed his fortune by buying greater than 450 fast-food franchises, together with Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and Chili’s areas, earlier than including a Coca-Cola bottling firm to his portfolio in 2016.
ESPN reported that Bridgeman earned about $2.95 million throughout his NBA profession, along with his highest season wage by no means exceeding $350,000.
Was Junior Bridgeman Married?
Bridgeman was married to his spouse, Doris Griffith.
Did Junior Bridgeman Have Youngsters?
Bridgeman leaves behind his three youngsters—Eden, Justin, and Ryan—whom he had along with his spouse.
