ESPN President John Skipper Resigns, Cites Substance Addiction As Reason

ESPN President John Skipper announced today that he is resigning and cited a substance addiction as the reason.

Skipper’s statement:

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.

Skipper had just signed a three-year contract extension with ESPN in November, which would have kept him employed at the company through 2021. ESPN Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer, who preceded Skipper as president, will fill his role in the interim.