Latest news with #JuniorBridgeman
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisville basketball honors Cards legend Junior Bridgeman at ACC Tournament
Louisville basketball will honor former Cardinal Junior Bridgeman with a jersey patch for the rest of the season. Bridgeman played for the University of Louisville in the 1970s, leading U of L to a Final Four in 1975 — his senior season. He died Tuesday in Louisville after suffering a medical emergency. He was 71. The jersey patch honoring Bridgeman may undergo changes after the Cardinals' ACC Tournament debut Thursday evening and before the NCAA Tournament next week, a team spokesperson told The Courier Journal. Always with will don jersey patches for the remainder of the season in honor of Cardinal Forever Junior Bridgeman. — Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) March 13, 2025 After a successful career under Denny Crum, Bridgeman played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. He was an astute businessman, building a restaurant franchise empire and achieving billionaire status. Bridgeman used his wealth to give back to the Louisville area. "Not only was he a proud Louisville Cardinal, he was a successful businessman and philanthropist who loved the University and the City he called home," U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine, said in a statement. "Elaine and I send our condolences to his wife, Doris, his three children and all those who knew and loved him. He will be missed.' Bridgeman's No. 10 jersey is one of 20 honored in U of L history. His No. 2 jersey in Milwaukee was retired in 1988. Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@ and follow her on X @petitus25. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball honors Junior Bridgeman at ACC Tournament
CBS News
14-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Junior Bridgeman, businessman and former Clipper, dies at 71
Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who led Louisville to a Final Four, starred for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and then launched an even more successful career as a businessman with stakes in restaurants, publishing and the Bucks franchise, died Tuesday. He was 71. Bridgeman was a popular fixture in Louisville after his playing days, and Mayor Craig Greenberg announced his death, saying the city had "lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend." "He was an All-American at U of L ... and a self-made billionaire," Greenberg said in a statement. "Yet I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need" as well as his love for his family and his "never-ending support for our community." Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, praised his friend as a highly successful businessman and generous philanthropist who loved his alma mater and "the city he called home." According to media reports, Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at a Louisville hotel during a fundraising event Tuesday. Tributes poured in for a man who excelled on the hardwood and in corporate boardrooms. "Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He served as a mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes across sports who were eager to learn from him about what it takes to thrive in the business world." Bridgeman, a native of East Chicago, Indiana, played for Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum at Louisville. In three seasons, he scored 1,348 points, grabbed 657 rebounds and in his senior season led the Cardinals to the 1975 Final Four, where they lost to eventual national champion UCLA in a 75-74 thriller. Bridgeman was involved in one of the biggest trades in NBA history at the start of his professional career. After the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bridgeman with the eighth pick in the 1975 draft, they sent him to Milwaukee as part of the trade that brought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the West Coast. Bridgeman's 711 games played for Milwaukee ranks third in franchise history, behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. His No. 2 jersey was retired by the Bucks in 1988. "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," the Bucks said in a statement. "His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization." The Bucks announced Bridgeman had bought a stake in the team last year at a news conference that included co-owner Jimmy Haslam, coach Doc Rivers, general manager Jon Horst and many players. Bridgeman said afterward he had a 10% stake. "The opportunity to get back involved with the team in a different way and take advantage of it was something that was kind of a dream," Bridgeman said at the time. Prior to Milwaukee's game Tuesday night, Rivers said Bridgeman was a strong role model. "Think about that kid growing up, wanting to be an NBA player, probably his dream, and he turned that dream into becoming an NBA owner," Rivers said. "He is the exact model the league should use every day when they are talking to our young players." Bridgeman played for the Bucks from 1975-84 and then spent two years with the Los Angeles Clippers before coming back to Milwaukee for his final NBA season in 1986-87. He scored 11,517 points (averaging 13.6 per game) in his career. He ranks seventh in Bucks history in field goals (4,142), ninth in points (9,892) and 10th in minutes (18,054). After his playing days, Bridgeman turned that same drive into a successful business career. "While his play on the court was exceptional, it was as a leader in the business community that Junior truly excelled," University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel said in a statement. Bridgeman was a longtime franchisee for Wendy's and Chili's restaurants, at one time operating more than 450 locations in 20 states, the university said. He became a bottler for Coca-Cola and bought Ebony and Jet magazines, the school said. "I had the privilege of playing against him, and I'll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA," retired Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson wrote on X. "What people don't realize is Junior didn't make a fortune as a player, but he turned what he earned into something extraordinary, becoming a billionaire African American businessman in this country." Bridgeman was part of the foursome that owns Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. He also served on the boards of Churchill Downs racetrack, the University of Louisville and Fifth Third Bank, among others. He and his wife, Doris, hosted a Kentucky Derby party that served as a fundraiser. "He is the blueprint to so many current and former athletes across sports that success doesn't end when you're done playing," Johnson wrote.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shaq Mourns Death of ‘Dear Friend' That ‘Really Hit Hard'
Shaquille O'Neal is mourning the loss of a dear friend and mentor. While appearing on NBA on TNT this week, the basketball star reacted to the death of NBA icon Junior Bridgeman, who died on Tuesday, March 11. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 'This one really hit hard for me,' O'Neal said. 'A lot of people don't know this, but I've patterned my whole business acumen after Junior Bridgeman. They always tell us stories about 75 percent of athletes, zero to five years after they're done playing, go broke.' 'And I never wanted to be that," the former Lakers center continued. "So, I started looking at people. Michael [Jordan], of course, Magic [Johnson]. But I remember one time a Forbes list came out, and I was like, 'I know them all on this list, all the commercials I do,' and I saw his name. I reached out to him, and I started talking.' 'He was somebody that I looked up to," O'Neal added. "I know I get a lot of credit, but if it wasn't for Bridgeman, I wouldn't have known where to start." Related: According to ESPN, Bridgeman died of a heart attack on Tuesday at the age of 71. A billionaire philanthropist and the minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks (his former team), Bridgeman built a fast-food empire following his time in the NBA totaling more than 450 restaurants across the country. Additional business pursuits included becoming a Coca-Cola bottling distributor and purchasing Ebony and Jet magazines. After purchasing a 10 percent stake in the Bucks in September 2024, Bridgeman's net worth was reportedly over $1.4 billion as of February 2025. Next:
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Junior Bridgeman, PGA board member and former NBA star, dead at 71
Junior Bridgeman, PGA board member and former NBA star, dead at 71 Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA pro who served on the PGA of America board and was an owner in Valhalla Golf Club, died Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 71. "The PGA of America mourns the passing of Junior Bridgeman,' said Don Rea Jr., the president of the PGA. 'Junior was a staple in the Louisville community and a true lover of golf. This all came together with his involvement with Valhalla Golf Club where he helped to raise the property to new heights culminating in last year's PGA Championship. Additionally, his love for our sport was on display during the time he spent as an independent board member where he provided incredible insights and guidance. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends." A native of East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman became an All-American at Louisville, reaching the 1975 Final Four. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted the 6-foot-5 wing at No. 8 in 1975 then traded him to Milwaukee as part of a blockbuster deal for Bucks star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bridgeman played 12 seasons in the NBA, mostly as a sixth man. He made about $2.95 million in his NBA career while never earning more than $350,000 in a season. He became one of the most successful post-playing businessmen of any professional athlete. Bridgeman became a fast-food restaurant magnate, operating numerous restaurants, including many Wendy's locations. He also purchased Ebony and Jet magazines. He reportedly was a billionaire and last year became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, a team for which he once played. He was also part of a group of local business leaders who purchased Valhalla Golf Club from the PGA in 2022. The course hosted the PGA Championship last year. According to ESPN, multiple Louisville television stations reported that Bridgeman grabbed his chest at one point during a fundraising luncheon, expressing that he believed he was suffering a heart attack. The stations, including WLKY and WAVE, reported that emergency medical personnel were called. Current Bucks head coach Doc Rivers opened his pregame press conference in Indianapolis with a statement at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 'Just really a dark day, a tough day, losing Junior," Rivers began, before pausing to compose himself after getting emotional. "I've known Junior for probably, what am I, 60, I've known him since I was in college. He was one of the guys, him and Quinn Buckner, that would call me at Marquette to get me to go play with the Bucks of all places. When you think about Junior's life, you know, I keep thinking about LeBron and Magic and how influential they are to our league – and they are – and what they've done off the court is amazing. But the role model we should have is Junior Bridgeman when you think about it. "Here's a guy that I think the most he made was what, $350,000 in his career? And he's an owner. Think about that kid growing up, wanting to be an NBA player was probably his dream and he turned that dream into being an NBA owner. And if that's not what every kid should aspire to do. I was even reflecting on my career as a coach and I won titles; and all that stuff and you should really want to be like Junior. "I mean when you think about it, he is the exact model that the league should use every day when they're talking to our young players. Tough day. Just really a tough day.' Bridgeman was the No. 8 pick of the 1975 NBA draft out of the University of Louisville by the Los Angeles Lakers, but was traded to the Bucks as part of the deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to L.A. 'Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed,' said Lance George, chief marketing officer of the Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the Galt House. 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bridgeman family during this time.' Though he played 12 years in the NBA (10 with Milwaukee), Bridgeman became more well-known for his success in retirement and a standard-bearer for off-court success for former athletes. Bridgeman, who purchased a 10% minority share of the Bucks in February, became a billionaire in September. Doc Rivers emotional about an unassuming star "On a day like this, I just reflect on me a lot too," Rivers said before the Bucks played the Pacers on Tuesday night. "I'm just so blessed. There's a lot of benefits for me coming back to Milwaukee that I didn't anticipate. I had no idea that Junior was going to get back into the Bucks and be an owner and then we restarted a relationship. We stayed in contact still throughout the years. He flew me down to go to the Kentucky Derby with him. So, we had a relationship, but I didn't talk to him a lot and then all of a sudden he's back in. "And you know when you tell people, seize the day and all this stuff - the last conversation I had with Junior was about using him to mentor the young players and try to figure out a way of doing that and we never got to it because you thought there was time. The second side of Junior was the first side though. When he was an NBA player, if you would have just met him on the street, you wouldn't have known. He wouldn't have told you and he didn't act like it. "When he became a billionaire, you wouldn't have known and he would not have told you and he didn't act like it. The word gentleman is like gentle man and that is as good as you can get with Junior." 'I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement released by the league. "Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader. He served as a mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes across sports who were eager to learn from him about what it takes to thrive in the business world. Junior was a dedicated member of the NBA family for 50 years – most recently as a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, an investor in NBA Africa and as a player who set the standard for representing the league and our game with class and dignity. 'We express our heartfelt condolences to Junior's wife, Doris, their children, Eden, Justin and Ryan, the Bucks organization, and his many friends and admirers in the basketball community.' Bridgeman came to Bucks in Abdul-Jabbar trade and became a fan favorite Bridgeman first arrived in Milwaukee with a difficult task, partially responsible for plugging the hole poked into the hearts of Wisconsin sports fans after the Bucks had consummated a trade to send unhappy superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers. The transaction, engineered in the shadow of Abdul-Jabbar's dissatisfaction with the cultural offerings of Milwaukee, would be remembered forever as a dark chapter in Milwaukee sports history, but the return wasn't bad. The Bucks received Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Dave Meyers and Bridgeman for Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley. Winters and Bridgeman both have jerseys hanging in the Fiserv Forum rafters next to Abdul-Jabbar's. Meyers and Bridgeman had just been taken top 10 in the NBA draft by the Lakers, meaning the 6-5 small forward from the University of Louisville would begin his career with the Bucks. He had a 43-inch vertical and a penchant for dunks. Bucks coach Larry Costello intended to use Bridgeman primarily as a guard, but he frequently moved to forward when future Hall of Famer Bobby Dandridge was unavailable with injury, allowing Bridgeman to demonstrate that he could oscillate between the two roles. "He has all the tools," Knicks star Earl Monroe said during February of that 1975-76 season. "Mostly all it takes for a kid like him is playing time. Most rookies don't get anywhere near the playing time he is now. So he will come along a lot sooner than ordinarily. "Most of the guys he takes on are just his size or smaller. Most of his points come from post position. He's going to outjump most guards who get isolated on him, and he'll get his shots." Bridgeman and Meyers were both named second-team All-Rookie, with Bridgeman scoring 8.6 points per game that first year. It was the last time he'd average fewer than double digits in his nine seasons with Milwaukee. Though he became known throughout his career as Milwaukee's Super Sub, he appeared in the starting lineup 46 times during his second season, playing under first-year Bucks coach Don Nelson. Bridgeman became more of a fixture as a reserve the following season. "When I was younger, I used to think it was to my advantage to come off the bench," Nelson said in 1977. "Usually, the other players who were already in the game were tired, and when you're young, you need every break you can get." Bridgeman also won over his teammates in the process. "When Junior comes into a room, it seems like all the light bulbs light up," general manager Wayne Embry said of the second-year player in late 1976. "He's just a fantastic person. Maybe he's not as outgoing as he could be, but to know him is to really like him." Bridgeman ran an annual basketball camp in Milwaukee and became one of the first members on the board of directors for Milwaukee Athletes against Childhood Cancer, founded in 1976 and still in place today. And if you looked for signs of the business-savvy and industriousness that eventually made Bridgeman a billionaire, you could find them. The son of a steelworker played clarinet and was president of the school band at Washington High School. He once told a story that when he and his brother didn't have enough money to buy a stereo system, they built their own out of old parts. He made the Dean's List all eight semesters at Louisville, and once he came to Milwaukee, he enrolled in law school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He also had a shoe deal with Converse, seldom wearing the same pair of basketball kicks week-to-week. Nelson once expressed that Bridgeman's offseason commitment to law school jeopardized reaching his potential as a basketball player. (Editor's note: The Milwaukee Sentinel-Journal, part of the USA Today Network, contributed to this post.)
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fossilized ‘Chipmunk Shark' teeth discovered in Mammoth Cave rock layer
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. (FOX 56) — A new species of ancient shark was recently discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Fossilized teeth of the 'McGinnis Nail Tooth,' nicknamed the 'Chipmunk Shark' due to its small, chisel-like front teeth, was found inside of a rock layer inside the Kentucky cave system, per the National Park Service. Two new species of shark discovered in Mammoth Cave National Park 'The fossil discoveries in Mammoth Cave continue to reveal a wealth of new information about ancient shark species,' said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. 'Researchers and volunteers collected samples from the main Mammoth Cave system and from smaller isolated caves throughout the park that have provided new data on previously known ancient sharks and revealed several species that are brand new to science. These discoveries help scientists to better understand the relationship and evolution of modern shark species within this relatively small geographic region.' According to a news release, NPS officials believe the Chipmunk Shark foraged on crustaceans, worms, and other small animals along the ocean floor. The Ste. Genevieve Formation at Mammoth Cave, where the fossilized teeth were found, is a roughly 340-million-year-old layer of rocks, NPS announced. Over the last several years, more than 70 species of sharks and other fish have been identified in the rock layer, including four new species. NPS officials said that before these discoveries, there were no known shark fossils in the rock layer. Former UK student convicted of racist rant, attack to serve full sentence Kentucky man charged with murder after deadly shooting at Ashland motel Junior Bridgeman, businessman and basketball standout for Louisville and Milwaukee Bucks, dies at 71 The Chipmunk Shark was believed to have swam along the ocean floor that is said to have covered much of central Kentucky during the Middle Mississippian period, officials claim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
