ESPN president John Skipper resigned Monday morning, and the sports giant cited substance abuse problems as the driving reason behind Skipper’s departure.
Skipper stated the following in an ESPN release:
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.
Disney CEO Bob Iger stated the following in part, “I join John Skipper’s many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time.”
Skipper oversaw ESPN as the network spiraled downward and ratings tanked. The network also got extremely political during his tenure, and took a hard swing to the left. Jemele Hill infamously called President Trump a white supremacist.
Stay tuned for more details on this developing situation over at ESPN.