ESPN president John Skipper resigns citing ‘substance addiction’
Skipper says he battled with his addiction for 'many years'
Skipper says he battled with his addiction for 'many years'
ESPN president John Skipper announced that he is resigning from his position to tend to his years-long battle with substance addiction.
Skipper, who turns 62 on Tuesday, announced the news on Monday via a press release.
“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,” he said.
Skipper said that George Bodenheimer, who worked at ESPN from 1981-2014, will serve as acting chair of the company. Over the next 90 days, Bodenheimer will “oversee” the transition process.
SKipper served as president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks from since Jan. 1, 2012.