ESPN president John Skipper resigns, cites substance abuse
In some absolutely huge news around the sports media world, embatttled ESPN President and Disney Media Networks co-chairman John Skipper has announced his resignation, effective immediately.
Skipper cited a struggle with substance abuse issues “for many years†as his reason for resigning.
Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN.
I have had a wonderful career at The Walt Disney Company and am grateful for the many opportunities and friendships. I owe a debt to many, but most profoundly Michael Lynton, George Bodenheimer and Bob Iger.
I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem.
I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutually agreed that it was appropriate that I resign. I will always appreciate the human understanding and warmth that Bob displayed here and always.
I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.
As I deal with this issue and what it means to me and my family, I ask for appropriate privacy and a little understanding.
To my colleagues at ESPN, it has been a privilege. I take great pride in your accomplishments and have complete confidence in your collective ability to continue ESPN’s success.
This comes on the heels of an explosive report coming out late last week focusing on widespread sexual harassment allegations at ESPN.
Skipper joined the four-letter network as senior VP and general manager of ESPN The Magazine back in 1997. He was named president in January of 2012.
Under Skipper’s watch, ESPN has become a divisive entity with its political grandstanding and a sense of opinion overriding the network’s previous MO of straight reporting. Recent lay-offs of some of the best in the business only added to this.
Former ESPN executive chairman George Bodenheimer will take over as president on an interim basis until the network finds a full-time replacement.
