LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Junior Bridgeman, former UofL and NBA star, billionaire and philanthropist, died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency while speaking at an event in downtown Louisville.
Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, held a moment of silence in honor. Mayor Greenberg said Bridgeman had many accomplishments and awards throughout his lifetime.
“Certainly because of his business acumen, his ability to create jobs and businesses and positively impact so many lives through business. Quietly helping people all across our city, people and organizations that were in need of a helping hand,” said Mayor Greenberg.
Before becoming an NBA player with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, Bridgeman played three years at the University of Louisville under Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum. Crum’s widow Susan Sweeney Crum said her late husband always thought of his players as his kids.
“Then that relationship evolved into the friendship they had. He just, I think, had a lot of respect for Denny. And Denny thought the world of Junior knew he was motivated and worked hard as a player. And obviously that carried over and everything else Junior did,” said Sweeney Crum.
When Sweeney Crum heard the news of Bridgeman’s medical emergency, she thought he was going to be okay.
“He was not old. He was healthy. He took care of himself. So you just assumed he would come around and be okay. So I think most people are shocked. I’m heartbroken,” said Sweeney Crum.
Sweeney Crum said her husband and Bridgeman were a lot alike in their love and passion for the Louisville community and others.
“So down to earth and so real and so humble and not looking for attention or credit. They love people. Love their families, their faith and Junior just exemplified everything that you could think of. And a good person, just compassionate and generous. And everyone respected him. There’s not a person that in this city, I don’t think, that couldn’t find good things to say about Junior,” said Sweeney Crum.
Greenberg called Bridgeman one of the most kind and generous man he has ever met.
“The entire city of Louisville truly lost a groundbreaking legend,” said Greenberg.
Bridgeman was an active member of the Churchill Downs Incorporated Board of Directors since 2012. CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen said, "Over the course of a lifetime, you can count yourself lucky if you meet one person like Junior Bridgeman. His kindness and humility masked a life of extraordinary accomplishment and profound impact that extends far beyond our organization; he has indelibly shaped the fabric of Louisville, inspiring countless individuals with his sage leadership and generosity. All of us at Churchill Downs are devastated by his passing."
According to Forbes Bridgeman was a billionaire from his holdings in Wendy’s, Chili’s, Coca-Cola Bottling, along with Ebony and Jet magazines. He is one of only four former NBA players to reach billionaire status. Bridgeman also owned a stake in his former NBA team, the Milwaukee Bucks. Junior Bridgeman was 71 years old.
