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ESPN President John Skipper resigns
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ESPN President has announced his resignation from the company, according to reports.
Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated reported on Monday morning that Skipper resigned from his posted. The now former president cited substance addiction for his resignation.
Skipper was also the co-chairman of Disney Media Networks.
ESPN president John Skipper has resigned from the company. "I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction," Skipper said.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) December 18, 2017
“Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN,” Skipper said, according to 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 may, 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.”
Skipper was named president in 2012 but originally joined ESPN in 1997 as senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine. Bodenheimer, who was a former president with the company prior to Skipper, will serve as acting chairman for 90 days.
You can read Skipper’s full statement on ESPN.com.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB