Skipper Resigns from ESPN, Citing Substance Addiction
Shock waves rocked sports media Monday as ESPN announced that president John Skipper is resigning from his post, citing a substance addiction problem.
“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,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Skipper tookover the role in 2012 from George Bodenheimer, who will serve as acting chair of the company for the next 90 days.
“I join John Skipper’s many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time,” Disney chmn/CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “I respect his candor and support his decision to focus on his health and his family. With his departure, George Bodenheimer has agreed to serve as Acting Chair of ESPN for the next 90 days to provide interim leadership, help me identify and secure John’s successor, and ensure a smooth transition. I am grateful for George’s support and look forward to working with him again in this temporary role.”
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