Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA All Star who went on to become a successful career in the restaurant business, died suddenly while attending the 45th annual Leadership Luncheon in Louisville on Tuesday.
The former University of Louisville star was 71.
According to multiple reports, Bridgeman was being interviewed at Galt House Hotel when he grabbed his chest and stated he believed he was suffering a heart attack.
First responders treated him and took him to a hospital, but he was declared dead.
Following his stint at Louisville between 1972-75 (he averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 87 collegiate games), Bridgeman was drafted eighth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, then traded to the Milwaukee Bucks a few years later.
He spent nine seasons with the Bucks, then after two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, he spent another season with the Bucks before retiring after the 1986-87 campaign. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists during his NBA career and was considered one of the top reserves in the league during his tenure as he was often the sixth man.
He served as president of the NBA Association between 1985-88.
“Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success,” the Bucks said in a statement. “His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation’s top business leaders and, last September, Junior’s professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner (10%).‘’
Following his NBA career, he became a restaurant entrepreneur and started Bridgeman Foods Inc. He owned over 100 Wendy’s and Chili’s Restaurants and eventually became a bottler for Coca Cola.
Nine years ago, Forbes Magazine ranked Bridgeman behind just Michael Jordan, David Beckham and Arnold Palmer as the fourth wealthiest retired athlete. He was raking in $32 million a year at that point.
His estimated net worth at the time of his death was $1.4 billion.