ESPN president Skipper resigns, cites substance abuse issue

John Skipper resigned as president of ESPN and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks on Monday morning, citing a need to deal with a long-term problem with substance abuse.

George Bodenheimer, ESPN’s president from 1998-2011 and its executive chairman until May 2014, will take over as the acting chairman for the next 90 days.

“Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN,” the 61-year-old Skipper said 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 (Disney chairman and chief executive officer) 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.”

Skipper joined the network in 1997 as senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine. He served as the president of ESPN since Jan. 1, 2012, taking the reins from Bodenheimer.

“I join John Skipper’s many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time,” 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.”

Bodenheimer also offered a statement on Monday.

“I have great respect for John’s leadership, and I applaud the courage he’s demonstrating by addressing his challenge head on,” he said. “The most important thing right now for John and his family is that he conquers his addiction, and the entire ESPN family is behind him.

“I’ve stayed in close contact with John, and I believe in the direction he’s taking ESPN. He’s assembled an outstanding leadership team — many of whom I know very well — and I am extremely confident we will work together effectively to move ESPN forward during this transition.”