What Happened to Junior Bridgeman? Ex-NBA Player Passes Away

The well-known former Milwaukee Bucks player and prosperous entrepreneur, Junior Bridgeman, has tragically passed away at 71 years old. Reports indicate that he succumbed to a fatal heart attack on March 11, 2025, during an interview in Louisville. Known for his significant impact in both sports and business, Junior Bridgeman left behind an impressive legacy in basketball and entrepreneurship, causing shock among fans upon hearing of his passing.

Here’s what we know so far about Junior Bridgeman’s death.

Junior Bridgeman passes away at 71, claims report

On March 11, 2025, Junior Bridgeman, a renowned basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks and successful entrepreneur, took his final breath at the age of 71.

During a live interview at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, he experienced a sudden, lethal cardiac arrest. Medical professionals arrived promptly, yet unfortunately, Bridgeman could not be saved.

Russell Wilson shared his sorrow on X (previously Twitter), stating, “I’m deeply saddened. Just spoke with Junior 10 days ago. This is heartbreaking. Life unexpectedly takes us when we least anticipate. Keep sending prayers and cherish your dear ones. Thank you, Junior, for the impact you had on me and countless others. You were the model we all aim to emulate.

Originally from East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman’s college basketball career was spent at Louisville, where he guided the Cardinals to the 1975 Final Four. In the 1975 NBA Draft, he was chosen eighth by the Lakers but was subsequently traded to Milwaukee in exchange for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Spanning over a dozen seasons in the NBA, Bridgeman primarily played with the Bucks, maintaining an average of 13.6 points per game throughout his career.

From 1985 to 1988, Marvin Bridgeman held the presidency of the National Basketball Players Association. Afterward, he thrived in business, amassing ownership of more than 450 fast-food restaurants and acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines. In 2024, he invested in a 10% share of the Bucks, and by 2025, his wealth surpassed $1.4 billion (as reported by New York Post).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lauded Bridgeman as an exceptional entrepreneur, emphasizing his guidance for athletes (as per NBA). Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks labeled him as “the ideal role model” that the league should consistently present when interacting with our younger players.

In simpler terms, Mayor Craig Greenberg stated, “Junior Bridgeman stood out as an All-American student at the University of Louisville and built his own fortune, but what I’ll always cherish is his unassuming help towards those in need.

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2025-03-12 10:40