ESPN’s John Skipper has resigned from his positions of network president and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks Monday as he battles substance abuse issues.
ESPN's president from 1998-2011 and the company’s former executive chairman George Bodenheimer will serve as acting chairman of the company for the next 90 days. Bodenheimer will assist chief executive officer Bob Iger find Skipper's replacement.
Skipper, 61, has served as president at ESPN since 2012 and joined the network in 1997 as senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine.
“Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN,” Skipper wrote in a statement. “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.”
About the Author
