Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA participant who performed from 1975 to 1987, has died on the age of 71 after struggling a middle assault throughout an tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, in line with more than one stories.
His dying on Tuesday, March 11, was once showed through NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who expressed his grief in a remark to ESPN, pronouncing he was once “devastated to be informed of the surprising passing of Junior Bridgeman.”
“Junior was once without equal entrepreneur who constructed on his impactful 12-year NBA taking part in occupation through changing into a extremely revered and a success industry chief. He served as a mentor to generations of NBA avid gamers and athletes throughout sports activities who had been keen to be informed from him about what it takes to thrive within the industry global. Junior was once a devoted member of the NBA circle of relatives for fifty years — maximum just lately as a minority proprietor of the Milwaukee Greenbacks, an investor in NBA Africa and as a participant who set the usual for representing the league and our recreation with magnificence and dignity.”
Be informed extra about Bridgeman’s spectacular occupation, his vital internet value, and his private existence beneath.
Who Was once Junior Bridgeman?
Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman performed within the NBA for the Milwaukee Greenbacks and the Los Angeles Clippers. A standout capturing guard and small ahead, he had a notable occupation at the courtroom. Earlier than being drafted to the NBA, Bridgeman performed for the College of Louisville within the Seventies beneath the mythical trainer Denny Crum. Bridgeman retired from basketball in 1987, and in 1988, the Greenbacks retired his No. 2 jersey in honor of his 10 seasons with the group.
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman effectively transitioned into industry. In 2024, he bought a ten% stake in his former group, changing into a minority proprietor of the Milwaukee Greenbacks.
What Is Junior Bridgeman’s Web Value?
Bridgeman had an estimated internet value of $1.4 billion, in line with a prior record through Forbes. He constructed his fortune through obtaining greater than 450 fast-food franchises, together with Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and Chili’s places, earlier than including a Coca-Cola bottling corporate to his portfolio in 2016.
ESPN reported that Bridgeman earned about $2.95 million throughout his NBA occupation, along with his best season wage by no means exceeding $350,000.
Was once Junior Bridgeman Married?
Bridgeman was once married to his spouse, Doris Griffith.
Did Junior Bridgeman Have Children?
Bridgeman leaves in the back of his 3 kids—Eden, Justin, and Ryan—whom he had along with his spouse.