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.