(WNFL) – The Milwaukee Bucks lost a legend yesterday.
Former Bucks player and minority owner Junior Bridgeman passed away due to a medical emergency in Louisville on Tuesday at the age of 71.
Bridgeman was speaking to a group of about 200 people when he said, “I think I’m having a heart attack.” He was treated at the scene and rushed to a Louisville hospital where he died.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers talked about the passing of Bridgeman.
Rivers discussed his friendship with Bridgeman with Junior Bridgeman on and off the court.
Former Milwaukee Bucks player and broadcaster Jon McGlocklin talked about his good friend’s passing.
Bridgeman who was drafted by the Lakers and traded to the Bucks along with Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith and Brian Winters to the Bucks for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley.
Bridgeman whose jersey #2 hangs in the rafters at the FiServ Forum averaged over 13 points per game for his career and after his career, invested in Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants amassing over $1.4 billion dollars in wealth.
The NBA often called upon Bridgeman to speak to young NBA players about financial investments and being fiscally wise.
The Bucks issued the following statement.
The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman.
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. 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. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.
We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Doris, his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, his entire family and all those close to him.
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